Ahead of the Curve

In May, Jonah was just starting to talk.  He knew maybe 10 words, including kitty-cat, bye-bye, and fish (as in Gold Fish cracker).  Now, just two months later, he's using complete sentences.  At lunch on Thursday, Jonah clearly said, "I'm thirsty."  And yesterday, after connecting two pop-beads together, he exclaimed, "I did it!"

After a little research, I discovered that Jonah is three months ahead in language skills.  Most toddlers begin using complete sentences between 19 and 24 months.  Jonah is only 16 months old.  I also suspect his vocabulary is advanced.  What toddler says thirsty instead of drink, or Disney instead of Mickey?

The doctor warned us that Jonah would probably advance quicker than most.  He will always be striving to catch up to big brother, Elliott.  That certainly appears to be the case, and it's a little sad to see Jonah growing up so quickly.  However, I won't mind at all if he learns how to use the potty ahead of the curve!

Reality TV Convert

When reality TV began, I was not a fan.  I felt I had enough reality in my own life. I watch TV to escape, not to get involved in other people's struggles and challenges.  But then one summer, I got hooked on Top Chef after channel surfing.   It turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. Hungry for more, I then found FoodNetwork and now have a passion for cooking.

As a result of that positive experience, I'm now more open to reality TV in general, but tend to favor competitions.  One of the best reality shows currently on television is The Glee Project.  Realizing the students on the popular network show, Glee, will eventually have to graduate high school, the producers are looking for new talent to keep the show going.  The Glee Project contestants are competing for a seven-episode part.  They are all extremely talented and any one of them would be a great addition to the hit show.

Another favorite is Project Runway because I'm a Tim Gunn fan.  Gunn is such a kind presence in a cut-throat industry and I recommend all his books.  Season nine of Project Runway premiered last night.  As usual, most of the contestants are in their 20s and 30s. The fun is watching them walk the fine line between talent and crazy.  But this season also includes a mature contestant, 57-year-old Bert, who ended up winning the first challenge!  For sure this will be an entertaining season.

Clearly I'm now a reality TV convert.  My journey has been a lesson in staying open to new experiences and not judging too quickly.  I guess it's true.  We're never too old to learn.

Backup Plan In Play

One of the reasons I wanted Emily to find Jonah a daycare was because I feel we need a backup plan.  Little did I know we would need it so soon.  But, since no work can be done on the bathroom next week, while I'm out of town, it's a good thing Jonah will start Brilliant Beginnings on August 8.  Now Emily can still go to all her doctor appointments before school starts.  And I have three more days to get the bathroom finished before Grandma Daycare resumes on August 11.  

At this point, I'm beyond frustrated with how long it's taking to finish the hall bathroom. Last year the larger master bathroom remodel, which included removing and installing walls and more tile work, took three weeks. Since the hall bathroom redo is a much smaller project, it should have been easily finished in at least the same amount of time. But, as of today, the hall bathroom redo will now go into a fourth week. The counter top did not arrive yesterday.  Hopefully, it will be here in time for install tomorrow.  But that means additional days are now needed for the toilet and fixtures installation, electrical completion, mirror mounting, and final inspection.

Nevertheless, I know I'll love the hall bathroom as much as I do the master bathroom when it's finished.  Going through a remodel is like suffering through labor.  Once it's over, the pain is quickly forgotten because the reward is so beautiful.

Updates

It's a beautiful thing to wake up on your own.  Not to an alarm clock; not to construction noise next door. It's how life should be.  Sleep when tired; wake when rested.  And that's how I started my day.  I woke up on my own at 7:00 A.M. fully rested.

Nevertheless, I'm still fighting a cold, which is annoying.  I hate being sick.  It's such a waste of time.  But my biggest concern, this time around, is being congested when I board a plane this Saturday.  I flew with congestion once before, years ago, and it wasn't fun.  It took nearly two days for my ears to clear. At the rate I'm improving, however, I think I'll be fine by the weekend.

This morning I'm waiting for work to resume on the hall bathroom.  As soon as the correct counter top arrives today it'll be installed.  I'm also expecting the tile man to be here all day.  With any luck, the bathroom just might be finished by end-of-day Friday.  Although it'll still need to be painted.  But, after that, I'm ready to take a break from home improvement!