I have been scrambling the last few days (OK, weeks) to get ready for this upcoming trip to Mexico. I know that you are probably sick of hearing about my trip. I really am trying not to be boastful about it. I am just a LITTLE EXCITED. It is my first vacation of this sort in EIGHT YEARS.
Just wait until I return. Then you will really be tired of hearing me ramble on about it. Sun and sand and FUN. Then there will be the eleventy million photos…
Can I give you a peace offering?
That was yesterday’s Tiny Moment. The details are on Flickr, but did you see that they are holding hands? Hee!
All of this getting ready to go has turned my (already overloaded) mind into hyper-drive. So many lists, so little time.
Why am I posting? Because it is therapeutic, and I need an outlet. I do not have a cohesive post in my head, or anything resembling an outline. I will stick with the tried-and-true list. Maybe once I get the list out, my head can stop spinning. I doubt it, but it is worth a try.
1. I have started packing. When packing for myself I have been trying on my summer clothes. While enduring the monthly menses. Which is, of course, a recipe for disaster. I have been having “fat days” for the past five days or so. This has done wonders for my mood. And for Honey’s patience levels.
I have posted before about my journey to fat and back. I used to be a “big girl” and now I am not. I know this in my head. I look at the numbers on the scale, and they have not changed. I am just not FIT. To quote my friend Kristin, I am “fat skinny”. Fully clothed I look nice and thin. Trying on bikinis in pasty white skin shows how little muscle tone I have.
Read: NONE.
I will be doing something about this upon my return.
2. I guest posted over at She Likes Purple today. Come and say “hi” over there, if you have a moment. It is my first guest-post and I feel like I have been exposed. Thankfully (see point #1), I have no photos to illustrate that feeling.
3. I spent yesterday at the spa getting a wax and shine. Ever had your armpits waxed? IT HURTS. A LOT. The silky result is worth it though. My pedicure is also divine. Pedicures are worth every. single. penny.
4. All the packing has made me think that I might be forgetting something. I have packed three swim suits, four sun dresses, a few pairs of shirts and shorts, sandals, a feather boa (I’m kidding. Maybe.), undies and the like. Is there a piece of clothing or an accessory that I really need to bring?
5. On that note, I plan on doing a lot of reading. A few friends have given me books, but I am wondering if there is One Great Book that I need to read. I feel that I need to use this reading time wisely. It has been at least five years since I have read a book for pleasure, and not as a requirement for some study, etc. If I were to swing by Chapters, what book must I leave with or die trying?
6. While reading, Matthew and I plan on having our respective ear buds firmly in place while we listen to music. Metalia was kind enough to share a promotion with me that she was given for the Juno soundtrack (Awesome), but apart from that I have not downloaded any current releases. Anything that is a required download?
7. Since I am asking so many questions, might I ask one more? Not including the one I just asked? Or this one? How are you doing today?
Happy Tuesday!
37 Comments
Have a great trip! Your list prompted my first-ever comment today! I LOVE lists – can’t survive without them. Soak up the sun for those of us stuck in the snow!
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Comment by Kate on February 19th, 2008 @ 8:14 amOnce you get to the beach you won’t care what your body looks like in a bathing suit, why not try a tankini if the bikini is a little to little clothing? Do you need a hat? Pj’s? Do you have sunscreen?
Robyn’s last blog post..2007
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Comment by Robyn on February 19th, 2008 @ 8:43 amJust finished Love In the Time of Cholera. It took a while (maybe 40 pages) to hook me but I ended up really enjoying it.
As for music, Jack Johnson’s new album ‘Sleep Through the Static’ has a cool vacation-y vibe. I also just got the Across the Universe Soundtrack and it’s pretty cool. Athlete’s ‘Beyond the Neighbourhood’ and Snow Patrol’s ‘Eyes Open’ are awesome. Oooh and Spoons ‘Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga’. And the Stars’ ‘Set Yourself on Fire’. So clearly I have a slight music addiction.
Hills’s last blog post..Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk These Are Just A Couple Of My Cravings
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Comment by Hills on February 19th, 2008 @ 8:52 amThat photo of the kidlets is precious! Did you pack a little pillow, when we went to Mexico I spent the majority of the time lounging by the pool reading and had a little travel pillow that saved my neck.
Have a fabulous time, we’re all waiting to see the billion or so photos.
Ashley’s last blog post..The Flip Side of Yesterday
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Comment by Ashley on February 19th, 2008 @ 8:55 amI totally hear you on the “Fat Skinny” thing. Arg.
No worries about you talking about your trip. Every is totally happy for you (Jealous as all freak, but happy.). 
Loralee’s last blog post..I need a t-shirt that says ?Inadvertant Asshat. Please ignore.?
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Comment by Loralee on February 19th, 2008 @ 8:57 amLists are so totally awesome. I love lists! Especially when they’re leading up to a vacation, and I go list crazy!
To answer your questions:
4. No, that’s enough clothes. When I go to Hawaii I always take way more than that, and barely end up wearing half of them. You’ll probably spend most of your time in your bathing suits, so I wouldn’t worry about it.
5. I’m reading The Other Boelyn Girl right now, and it’s fantastic. I’m a huge English history nerd, so this is right up my alley. Another excellent read is “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. I highly recommend that one!
6. I’m gonna echo Hills’ music suggestions. All of those are awesome. Especially Snow Patrol, which has been a favourite for the last 2 months. Do you have any Amy Winehouse? I love her voice, and her albums are excellent. Arcade Fire (both albums) are also must-owns.
7. Today I’m exhausted. Beyond tired. I’ve got a cup of coffee in front of me, and I’m hoping it kicks in soon. Despite the sleepiness it’s a gorgeous, clear and sunny day, so I have nothing to complain about! Hooray for sunny days!
Sharon’s last blog post..Bits and bites
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Comment by Sharon on February 19th, 2008 @ 9:06 amI have had my underarms waxed…the lady told me that the pain rivals that of your bikini line getting done. I don’t envy you
U2 is always good! Actually…you have to get orange sky by Alexi Murdoch. And you already have JT…I’ve been listening to that album for almost 2 years now and I’m still not sick of it!
Don’t forget sunscreen!
songsinblue’s last blog post..love?..
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Comment by songsinblue on February 19th, 2008 @ 9:19 amSarah from NS Here:
An amazing read that I just finished a couple of weeks ago and have since passed around the office is Jodi Picoult’s – ‘My Sister’s Keeper’. Incredible…incredible. As a Mom I’m sure it will tug at your heart strings…especially where you have 3….you will continually replace the characters with your children’s faces to think how you would ever deal with such circumstances. I can’t endorse this book enough. Trust me when I say that it is a must-read.
PS: Happy vacation!
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Comment by Sarah on February 19th, 2008 @ 9:23 amSince I am fairly new here, thanks for linking back to the old post. I had no idea and it gives me perspective. 
When I went to Mexico a couple years ago, I devoured The Time Traveler’s Wife. It is fantastic. I loved it! I’m not sure what kind of books you usually read though…And what kind of music are you into? I’ve got tons of suggestions there.
sizzle’s last blog post..Boxed Up
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Comment by sizzle on February 19th, 2008 @ 9:25 amOh ya, My Sister Keeper by Jodi Poulcoult (sp?) is excellent also Pioneer Woman highly recommends Comeback by Clair and Mai Fontaine, although I haven’t read it myself yet. Also, A Child Called It by David Pelzer is amazing!
Robyn’s last blog post..2007
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Comment by Robyn on February 19th, 2008 @ 9:27 amDon’t forget a sweater or zip up sweatshirt. Night times can get a bit chilly (i.e. 70 degrees after a day of 90!) so I always make sure to have 1 or 2 with me! HAVE FUN! And your children are adorable.
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Comment by Michelle on February 19th, 2008 @ 9:30 amHave a great trip!
For books, I love anything by Maeve Binchy.
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Comment by Leslie on February 19th, 2008 @ 9:43 amA hat and sunscreen. I say you need to pack anything (pretty much) by Francine Rivers to read… Other than that – happy packing!
Elizabeth’s last blog post..?Valentimes? and theeeen?.
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Comment by Elizabeth on February 19th, 2008 @ 9:55 amI don’t think I’m brave enough for armpit waxing. I had my eyebrows done for the first time last week and as soon as she smeared the wax on the face I thought to myself “what the heck am I doing? Is there still time to get out of this?” But I sucked it up and got it done. Of course, 100% worth it.
I’m SO THRILLED to have a day off today and another one tomorrow! After 9 days on at my new job (…several hours of overtime and two impressed bosses later) I am so ready to veg out. It’s a gym day though. I hear ya on the ‘fat skinny’ although I think I’m only ‘fat slim’ so I’m working on it
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Comment by Emily on February 19th, 2008 @ 10:30 amHAVE FUN!!!!
I enjoyed The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Are you looking for a light read? That isn’t one just so you know… but it is a really good book!
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant is good too.
Did I say HAVE FUN yet?!?! LOL… Enjoy… clickity click with that camera too. Can’t wait to see what you capture!
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Comment by Holly on February 19th, 2008 @ 10:32 amI can’t wait to see the bajillion photos from your trip!! You’re gonna capture so many beautiful skylines and sunsets and beaches… can’t wait!
Tricia’s last blog post..Trying to study
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Comment by Tricia on February 19th, 2008 @ 10:33 amI just finished Nora Roberts “Angels Fall” and I thought it was very good. For a *very* long read, Ken Follett’s “Pillars of the Earth” is excellent.
Take less clothing so you have room in your bag for souvenirs for your lil darlins. I really overdid it on the dresses, shorts, swimsuits. Two of those (one dry, one on you) is plenty, as is a couple of outfits. One dressy. Something to cover up if it gets chilly. And don’t forget comfy sandals.
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Comment by ie on February 19th, 2008 @ 10:41 amWhat? People get tired of hearing about sun vacations? Oops. I guess I should stop talking about mine then….
I lived in my suits while in the Bahamas, and I loved my sundresses to throw over them. The sand was everywhere and we needed all our clothes and I was always doing a load of laundry… right, no kids.
You are good!
SO excited for you!
Kami’s last blog post..Um, no but good question
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Comment by Kami on February 19th, 2008 @ 10:55 ami am totally a fat skinny also. i look skinny in clothes…but my body is a sad, sad mess when i undress.
ali’s last blog post..i almost came to work braless today
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Comment by ali on February 19th, 2008 @ 11:17 amEven though I read way too many books, I’ve no suggestions – I’m convinced that anything I suggest to people goes over really badly so I give up!
But for downloads – get yourself over to cbc radio 3 and take a chance on some great artists. My all time favourite is the radio 3 podcast for the summer 2006 road trip… (podcast #62).
trish’s last blog post..dreaming of vacations to come
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Comment by trish on February 19th, 2008 @ 11:38 amHappy Tuesday to YOU!
I comment list seemed necessary today!!
1. I’m heading over to read that post.
2. That one too.
3. Waxing and me DO NOT get along. But if I went to Mexico one day, I may try it! … maybe.
4. SUNSCREEN!!!! hee hee
5. Mary Higgins Clark’s Before I Say Goodbye. I just finished it. Actually, anything by her. She’s awesome.
6. We the Living (band)
7. Kind of the same as you … we seem to be at “that time of the month” at the same time … I only know because you’ve posted about it this month and last … hehe
It’s hard not to write about something you’re so excited about – so write away about your vacation! It IS exciting!!!
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..Healthy(er) Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Comment by Mrs. Wilson on February 19th, 2008 @ 12:12 pmI just read your “fat” post. Wow. I think I may try to do some of your rules. Except the diet coke (pop and me don’t get along) and the stomach flu one. I had the stomach flu in college (Briercrest!) – the coming out both ends kind – I know, yummy. I lost 10 lbs in a week. It came back in TWO DAYS. Apparently I was hungry after not eating for a week.
But my clothes fit SO WELL!!!!!
I miss that.
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..Healthy(er) Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Comment by Mrs. Wilson on February 19th, 2008 @ 12:21 pmWhen we go to resorts, we always take our own coffee go mugs, not for coffee, but they’re great for getting your drinks in at the bar. A) you get more than the plastic cups they give you; and B) they stay cold longer. Also, take lots of sunscreen. We ran out in Punta Cana and paid $16 US (at a time when the dollar was not at par) for a small bottle. On the subject of books, I’d take one more than you think you’ll need. I finished mine too early during our last vacation. We also like to take word puzzles. They’re fun and easy to do by the pool/ocean.
Books:
My Sister’s Keeper. I never cry in books; did in this one.
Anything by Sophie Kinsella (Shopaholic author) Chick Lit at its finest.
Sheila O’Flanagan. She’s kind of like Maeve Binchy.
Into the Wild by John Krakauer. True story.
When do you go?
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Comment by Lisa on February 19th, 2008 @ 12:31 pmSunglasses, a hat, more then one style. Clothes for the trip home, I would pack warm ones, I am alway freezing on airplanes.
Books and music, can’t help you there, I have not read a book in a long time and at this point in life I prefer silence instead of music.
HAVE FUN ON YOUR HOLIDAY!!!
Kristin’s last blog post..My Sunshine!
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Comment by Kristin on February 19th, 2008 @ 2:05 pmSunscreen, baby. And fake tan. I have been using Johnson & Johnson’s “Holiday Skin” which is a moisturiser that gradually tans your skin in just 3 days (and keeps working with continued use). I am SO BROWN at the moment. And we all know a tan makes you feel 1000 times better in a swimsuit.
Hannah’s last blog post..Growing old
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Comment by Hannah on February 19th, 2008 @ 2:35 pmi saw the name maeve binchy up there and it totally reminded me that ‘circle of friends’ is one of my favorite mostly mindless, feel good reads.
pride and predjudice. ahhh.
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Comment by julie on February 19th, 2008 @ 6:26 pmBooks- Eat, Pray, Love or The Kite Runner.
Music – Feist – she is going to sweep up at the Juno’s I’m sure of it. I find a lot of her songs very upbeat and cheerful so good for vacation.
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Comment by Teej on February 19th, 2008 @ 7:05 pmYour children are so sweet! I love the picture of Emily and Nathan, they are just too cute! If that picture doesn’t say “love”, I don’t know what does! I read your guest-post and it was wonderful…You have such a way with words. Here’s hoping your packing and planning go well! When do you leave?
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Comment by Michele on February 19th, 2008 @ 11:26 pmThat photo makes my heart swoon. Thanks for pointing out the hand-holding. It’s subtle. I might have missed it. It’s magic when you capture a moment like that on film. Nicely done.
Have a wonderful time in Mexico and don’t worry about your body. It’s beautiful. I know. Even if I can’t see it. There are a million bodies on this planet that are bigger and smaller and rounder and thinner and more toned and less toned than yours so there is no point in fussing about it. Besides, do you go to the beach and care about other people’s bodies? And aren’t bodies most beautiful when they belong to a person comfortable in their own skin?
Either way, at least know that your mind is beautiful. We can all see that.
Have you read Eat, Pray, Love yet? I ADORED it. I rarely use Caps, but I ADORED Eat, Pray, Love. If you haven’t yet, it’s a must. It’s not just Oprah marketing. It really is that good.
And one more thing. As far as I’m concerned, pedicures should be part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – right in there with chocolate and world peace, of course.
Carolyn’s last blog post..this is probably poor blog etiquette, but…
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Comment by Carolyn on February 19th, 2008 @ 11:48 pmI often feel “fat skinny” too. I even run and workout a decent amount. I feel like I can never quite get the middle of me as toned as I’d like.
No book or music recommendations that I can think of right now. I tend to have a weird taste in music anyway.
Have a nice trip!! I think I’m taking a quick getaway to the beach early next week but it’s not in a warm locale… so it won’t be a frolic in the waves kind of trip but it will be nice to get away.
K’s last blog post..Squirrels Oh, My!
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Comment by K on February 20th, 2008 @ 5:01 am[...] pooch…beware the stomach pooch! i am, as Angella of Dutch Blitz so eloquently put it in her post yesterday…”fat skinny”…which, essentially, means that in clothes = hot! without [...]
Comment by Cheaper Than Therapy » Blog Archive » 1.5 weeks… on February 20th, 2008 @ 5:55 amhave a great trip with your hubby!! cant wait to see ALL the photos!!
Chelsey’s last blog post..We’ve Moved
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Comment by Chelsey on February 20th, 2008 @ 9:32 amlove the pic…very cute!
have a good time on your trip. sooo jealous…oh, so jealous!
we have a family wedding down south next year, and that would make 7 years since hubby and i got married that we’ve travelled to the heat. soooo in need of the sun right now. that trip is not going to come fast enough!
Melissa’s last blog post..Family Day – Round 1
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Comment by Melissa on February 20th, 2008 @ 10:03 amWe’re going to Mexico (Mayan Riviera) in November, so I shall look forward to your travel report.
Di’s last blog post..Le Pettitte Prince
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Comment by Di on February 20th, 2008 @ 11:04 am1) Of course, my first inclination is to tell you that I’m sure you look great–but as everyone is their worst critic, you have to be happy in your own skin–pasty-white or otherwise. I’m sure Honey thinks you’re “Hubba Hubba”!
2) Guest Posting! How cool! Do you think you might maybe sorta do that for me some day?
3) Isn’t it crazy what a trip to the salon can do for you? Totally puts a spring in my flip-flopped step every time I get a pedicure.
4) I would say a cute hat and some aspirin in case you get a bit burned or they braid your hair too tight
5) I’d recommend a favorite beach-holiday-themed mystery novel: Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie. For something gut-bustingly funny with pictures? Mommy Knows Worst by James Lileks (you will CRY from laughing so hard). And one of my all-time favorites: Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman.
6) Dave Matthews’ album “Everyday” is wonderful—I can’t even pick a favorite song b/c I love all of them. Also, Patti Griffin’s song “Heavenly Day” is a MUST MUST MUST MUST MUST—it will make you grin from ear to ear. And? I would highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of the Beatles’ LOVE album.
7) I’m doing well I had a root canal this morning so I’m flying high on some happy pills–WHHeeeeee!
I love the hand-holding. So perfect.
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..The Hallway Hello and Other Ways to look like an Ass and Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Comment by The Over-Thinker on February 20th, 2008 @ 3:07 pmLine and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
My day is sucking…actually so is my week/month/year. But I am glad that you are going on this trip. It will be great for you two to spend some kid free time. Enjoy the trip Ange!!!
Mel’s last blog post..Keenan is EIGHT!!
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Comment by Mel on February 19th, 2008 @ 8:13 am