Hello folks! This week is about cleaning up my act, getting back in the swing of life, and unpacking my suitcase for long enough that I actually put it away and have to pull it back out. Some random things to tell you:

1. Last night Jeff and I made mozzarella sticks from scratch. Pictures to come, obviously.

2. There are a lot of birthdays coming up: Mary’s, Katie’s, Brittany’s, Liz’s, Jeff’s…you get the idea. Looks like I have some gifts to find.

3. My dad is graduating this weekend, which is why I went home last weekend in the first place! It was nice to celebrate with him and the rest of my family when I was home, and I am ever so proud of him.

4. When I was home, I went through a lot of my old stuff in an effort to help my parents downsize. Things I got rid of? Middle school notes, high school notes, books from classes, and random bottles of sand…

5. I saw a friend this past weekend I haven’t seen since 1999. We had a lovely breakfast in Chicago and chatted all the live long day (or for two hours, I’m not sure which.) Mary, as always, it was delightful to see you.

6. Also discovered? My CD collection, which means I have new jams on my computer, including but not limited to: TLC (Fanmail), Sheryl Crow (C’mon, C’mon), Linkin Park (Hybrid Theory), and Barenaked Ladies (Stunt.)

Looks like I have some listening to do.

As the week comes down off this Wednesday high, I have the following things to look forward to: laundry to clean, recipes to make, cakes to bake, parties to attend, children to coach. Here’s to the week being half-way done.