Music Monday -- Thrice "Black Honey"

Kind of reminds me of Highly Suspect. Love the sound.

Life Right Now #22

As I look outside my window: Enjoying the bright sunshine on the leaves.

Right now I am: Pulling crafting supplies out for my crop day today.

Thinking and pondering: Lots of new baby related things. So much to do before October!

On my bedside table: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood; Thunderstruck by Erik Larson

On my tv this week: J and I caught up with Another Period, Full Frontal, Silicon Valley, and Turn. He also got me to watch The Puppet Masters based on Heinlein's book. Creepy creepy stuff! I fit in a few episodes of Outlander and started rewatching Gilmore Girls (Netflix). J and I also started our science fiction movie marathon with the original, 1902's A Trip to the Moon.

Listening to: Lots of Hamilton, The Gilmore Guys podcast, and What Should I Read Next podcast.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chicken Parmesan
Tuesday - Tacos
Wednesday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Out to Fish Market with mom and great aunt Alys
Saturday - Out somewhere near hotel
Sunday - No idea...

On my to do list: Finish out the summer with the twins; review tasks for the upcoming summer social; library run; start shopping for Arthur's big boy bed; nail down a retreat house and plan; nail down a birthday party date

Happening this week:

Monday - Haircuts for the twins; Family mini golf night
Tuesday - Pool party at a friend's house; Board meeting
Wednesday - Park playdate for Arthur, Mini golf/arcade for twins; Lunch out; Trip to the candy store in MV; Shopping for last minute twin stuff
Thursday - Pool day; Prenatal appt for me
Friday - Mom and Great Aunt Alys arrive, dinner out with them
Saturday - San Francisco Day with the boys, my mom, and Great Aunt
Sunday - Twins, mom, and great aunt leave for Indiana

What I am creating: Working on my June Project Life pages today. Hoping I can get them finished during the crop day. Then I'm moving on to each of the boy's albums.

My simple pleasures: Cake, uninterrupted showers, a good book

Looking around the house: We need to do another sweeping clean before Friday...

From the camera: My little cowboy

Pregnancy Journal -- Second Trimester

Just like last time, I recorded some thoughts during the first trimester and failed to do anything for the second trimester. Mostly the last few weeks have been a blur. My nausea has all but disappeared (yeah for small miracles!), but has been replaced by a variety of other symptoms. My scar tissue causes me near-constant pain. Some days it's only noticeable when I move certain ways. Other days it's a constant burning pain. Definitely annoying and even more so because I can't really do anything about it. I'm also experiencing a ton of groin pain and pressure. Pretty sure the little one is sitting pretty low. And carpal tunnel has started. Thankfully it only affects me at night, but boy is it annoying. The entire house has been battling some virus for the last weeks. I think we keep passing it back and forth. This has definitely dampened my mood. Whatever it is has triggered a few migraines resulting in blurred vision. Not fun at all.

On the lighter side of things, we've narrowed down the little one's name to just a few choices. And I think it will be set within the next few weeks. It wasn't my first choice, but I've really grown to love it. Baby boy will be well-clothed from Arthur's hand-me-downs, so no big purchases over here. I did pick up a Baby Bjorn carrier at a garage sale a few weeks back. We have an Infantino carrier, but this was a steal at $10 and maybe this one like being worn. We're heading to the store within the next weeks to get Arthur a twin size bed to transition him out of the crib. I want to do it a few months before the baby comes to allow Arthur some time to get used to the idea. Otherwise, I'm just living day to day. Looking forward to getting through this last trimester and meeting the little one.

Valiant Ambition by Nathaniel Philbrick

Title: Valiant Ambition

Author: Nathaniel Philbrick

Publisher: Viking 2016

Genre: Nonfiction - U.S. History

Pages: 427

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (NonAd); Nonfiction; Popsugar - Blue Cover

In September 1776, the vulnerable Continental Army under an unsure George Washington (who had never commanded a large force in battle) evacuates New York after a devastating defeat by the British Army. Three weeks later, near the Canadian border, one of his favorite generals, Benedict Arnold, miraculously succeeds in postponing the British naval advance down Lake Champlain that might have ended the war. Four years later, as the book ends, Washington has vanquished his demons and Arnold has fled to the enemy after a foiled attempt to surrender the American fortress at West Point to the British. After four years of war, America is forced to realize that the real threat to its liberties might not come from without but from within.

Apparently I am in the middle of a huge American Revolution kick. J and I are obsessed with watching Turn on AMC and listening to the Hamilton soundtrack. Nevermind that I've always been a fan of history, I've found myself craving history books lately. I few weeks back I finished Philbrick's In the Heart of the Sea and realized that he had just released a new book centered on the American Revolution. Thankfully I spied it at the library last week and immediately snatched it up. So good! In general I know how this story played out, but I was constantly fascinated by the details. It was the little things along with excerpts from letters that sucked me into the story. I was riveted from page one. Philbrick definitely has a way with narrative history. Never once did I get lost or confused by the information. I went along on the journey highlighting what would ultimately be two opposing forces: Washington and Arnold. I think I liked this one better than Philbrick's Mayflower. Fascinating story! Now I want to run off and get the book that Turn the television series is based on. Guess I need some more American Revolution in my life.

Odds and Ends

Here’s my randomness for the week:

Lots of pelvic pain right now... not looking forward to the next 13 weeks
Once again, I am addicted to the Hamilton Soundtrack
Overall, super obsessed with the American Revolution right now
Started rewatching Gilmore Girls on Netflix and listening to the Gilmore Guys podcast --> my new obsession
Chilly weather is putting a crimp on our pool days
Teens are expensive
Super super tired...
I found rhubarb at the grocery store!!!! And promptly squealed in the the middle of the produce section. Came home and made strawberry rhubarb crisp and it was delicious!

Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

Title: Etiquette and Espionage (The Finishing School #1)

Author: Gail Carriger

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2013

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 307

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Women Authors

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners--and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but the also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage--in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

I picked this series up on the basis of my enjoyment of the Parasol Protectorate series. This particular series is set a few decades before that one. And I enjoyed this one also. I love how this series throws the reader right into the action. We are forced to figure out what is going on right along with Sophronia. The convention definitely works in this instance. While I like Sophronia, I think the side characters really make this series for me. I loved meeting all the professors and students. Plus, we get some intriuging scenes with Genevieve Lefoux. Love the connections to the Parasol Protectorate series. The writing isn't quite as exciting as as the other series, but this is young adult. And I'm okay with it. I can't wait to read the next volume.

The Finishing School

#1 Etiquette and Espionage
#2 Curtsies and Conspiracies
#3 Waistcoats and Weaponry
#4 Manners and Mutiny

Music Monday -- Mumford & Sons "There Will Be Time"

Love Mumford & Sons. Really digging the new sound.

Life Right Now #21

As I look outside my window: I notice that the weeds in the dirt patch of a backyard are getting out of control. I may have to do something about that soon...

Right now I am: Getting ready to pop over to the grocery store before the crowds get crazy

Thinking and pondering: How are we going to navigate this fall? So many things to cover...

On my bedside table: The Glassblower of Murano by Marina Fiorato; The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

On my tv this week: J and I wrapped up Veep, watched a few documentaries, and almost caught up with Silicon Valley; We all watched John Wick and Blade Runner for our movie selections

Listening to: Hamilton Soundtrack; The Simple Show podcast; What Should I Read Next podcast

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Hamburgers/hot dogs on grill
Tuesday - Beef Tips
Wednesday - Chicken and Noodles
Thursday - Blue Apron delivery
Friday - Blue Apron deliver
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Pizza Day

On my to do list: Starting shopping for twins' return to Indiana; squeeze in the last few fun activities

Happening this week:

Monday - Fourth of July and so far we aren't doing anything
Tuesday - Oakland Zoo Day
Wednesday - Beach Day at Half Moon Bay
Thursday - Haircuts and errands
Friday - Chabot Space and Science Center
Saturday - Toddler friend's bday party
Sunday - Crop day at my house

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment, but thinking ahead to July's stamp club cards.

My simple pleasures: Pinball machines! We had so much fun on Saturday at the Pacific Pinball Museum. I was killing The Addams Family game!

Looking around the house: Decent shape around here. Our big cleaning day was Friday and everything still looks pretty good. Although I know I have two loads of laundry to do today.

From the camera: Pinball Wizard!

The Curious Case of the Werewolf that Wasn't... by Gail Carriger

Title: The Curious Case of the Werewolf that Wasn't, the Mummy that Was, and the Cat in the Jar (The Parasol Protectorate #5.5)

Author: Gail Carriger

Publisher: 2014

Genre: Steampunk Paranormal

Pages: 32

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

A short tale of mummies, werewolves, and well preserved felines set in the world of the Parasol Protectorate. Alessandro Tarabotti and his valet, Floote, are on a mission in Egypt when they encounter visiting tourists and things go all pie shaped. What is his real mission and will his Aunt Archangelica approve of his treatment of her cat?

A little short story about Alexia Tarabotti's father. Last night I finished a very intense book (High Rise by J.G. Ballard) and wasn't ready for bed yet but also didn't want to start some other intense book. Scrolling through my Kindle app, I realized that I had this story still sitting unread. So I dove in. This was a nice little throwback to the Parasol Protectorate series. We get to see Alexia's father in action in Egypt and we get some information about the werewolf that wasn't. We also revisit Floote. This was such a fun little short story. It got me in the mood to start Carriger's Finishing School series.

Parasol Protectorate

#1 Soulless
#2 Changeless
#3 Blameless
#4 Heartless
#5 Timeless
#5.5 The Curious Case of the Werewolf that Wasn't...

The Lure of the Moonflower by Lauren Willig

Title: The Lure of the Moonflower (Pink Carnation #12)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2015

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 475

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W27

Portugal, December 1807. Jack Reid, the British agent known as the Moonflower (formerly the French agent known as the Moonflower), has been stationed in Portugal and is awaiting his new contact. He does not expect to be paired with a woman—especially not the legendary Pink Carnation.
All of Portugal believes that the royal family departed for Brazil just before the French troops marched into Lisbon. Only the English government knows that mad seventy-three-year-old Queen Maria was spirited away by a group of loyalists determined to rally a resistance. But as the French garrison scours the countryside, it’s only a matter of time before she’s found and taken.
It’s up to Jane to find her first and ensure her safety. But she has no knowledge of Portugal or the language. Though she is loath to admit it, she needs the Moonflower. Operating alone has taught her to respect her own limitations. But she knows better than to show weakness around the Moonflower—an agent with a reputation for brilliance, a tendency toward insubordination, and a history of going rogue.

What a way to end a series! I was in love with this volume from page one. Jack and Jane has always been intriguing characters. It was fitting to end the series with their story. I loved diving beneath the surface of the Pink Carnation and the Moonflower. As to the story itself, I loved the plot line. We get lots of great action and some actual historical events thrown in. Plus, the reappearance of the Gardener fit perfectly! I was sad to see one of my favorite series end, but it was quite of an ending. Now I feel like I should Lauren Willig's other books...

Pink Carnation:

Monthly Life Goals July 2016

Let’s check in on June’s goals and my progress.

Plan Mom and Great Aunt Alys’s trip to SF —Fail.
Start Arthur’s transition out of the crib and to a twin mattress — Fail.
Send out June cards and prep July cards —Success! All of June's cards were sent out. All of July's cards are ready to go!
Prep my TBR for July and August — Success! I have my summer reading plan!
Read 2500 pages –Success! I killed June with 4713 pages read!
Have 4 board game nights with the twins — Fail.
Have 12 movie nights with the twins, exposing them to at least 6 new-to-them movies — Fail. Managed 8 movie nights.... (Spy, Ant Man, The Kingsman, Hogfather, The Colour of Magic, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The 5th Wave, John Wick)

July's Goals

Read 3000 pages -- Bringing my page goal back up for this month. I've been rocking my reading time.
Send out July cards, prep August and September cards -- My usual monthly goal.
Transition Arthur to twin bed -- I really need to make this happen during July... probably after the twins leave.
Finish the summer with 5 twin activities -- Wanting to finish the twins' summer off right.
Back to School shopping with twins -- Clothes, supplies, and fun things.
Pull off the summer social -- The social is July 23rd and will be my last big social for this year. I'll be planning the fall social in October, but won't be able to attend because of the new baby coming.