Being open makes one feel less guilty

So I have had recordings from this year's MANA conference in my possession for 3 whole days and I can not make myself sit through and edit them yet. It's actually been about 6 weeks since the conference, and it's taken me this long to get the recordings from my pal who helped record them with me.

I swear I will get to them soon! It's one of those things that either the kids need to be away from home (never happens at the same time, or without me also being away), or in bed (um, like now) or being really quiet and good and occupied (for longer than 15 minutes).

I got the kids to bed at 9 tonight. I checked emails, did some Birth Project stuff, filled out MANA statistics for the latest birth, updated the Homesteader blog and now have bounced over here.

Now it's a quarter after 10 and I'm tired. No editing tonight.

We've had some nice births lately that have been keeping me busy with post partum visits and catching up on sleep and yes, doing statistics.

In my other life, G signed us up for very inexpensive gym memberships. So 4-5 days a week we've been working out something serious. It's seems so luxurious and wonderful to be able to do so.
I've taken a stab at wood-cutting- well on lino and rubber. And taken a stab is accurate. Those Japanese wood cutting knives are quite sharp. My finger and thumb keep re-opening up and bleeding at the worst times, like heinous paper cuts. But creating the wood cuts are fun- even if my artistic skills are that of a very talented 5 year old.

I'm slowly getting gifts for Christmas together for the kids. Have absolutely nothing for parents or older nephews. Am wondering if our 9 year old truly believes in Santa still, or if she's just pulling one over on me in an attempt to make me think she really believes money is NOT an issue for Santa, so it shouldn't matter if a Nintendo DS costs $130. She has written a letter to Mr. Claus asking for a Nintendo DS and nothing "babyish, because after all, I am 9 now". Oh dear.

Little E, on the other hand is soooo into Christmas and at 4, Santa is as real as palm of your hand. Both kids are being really sweet and fun these days. The house is already looking like Frankenmuth with all the decorations, put up the day after Thanksgiving, of course.

All right. I'm off to brush my teeth and climb into bed with my fine novel, Little Alters Everywhere, by Rebecca Wells. This book was her first, the sequel is The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. Little Alters is just as great. Twisted and funny and a little sad, but great. So much better tonight, than re-listening to MANA sessions at this late hour.
Maybe tomorrow.