I read a whole lot of mish-mash today.  Or is it miss-match? that doesn't sound right.  Either way, it definitely was enjoyable and full of life.

I've started a new book- The Lilac Bus by Maeve Binchy.  I immediately identified with Nancy, which may not be a good thing.  She is having issues with her roommate- actually, she's kicked out (OK- maybe that's not too familiar) and she's not given an explanation, just that it's time to move on.  The book is written from maybe 8 of the main characters' perspectives, and the others seem to not like Nancy- actually, avoid her.  She's tight with her money- and sees what freebies she can get and bores other people with her stories.  I'm a bit of a tightwad, and just the way she was described hauntingly sounded like me.  I hope to glean a lesson or pointers from the reading.  Of course, I like people more than Nancy apparently does, and hopefully that affects things.

I've eatten random sweets lately.  I gave up chocolate for Lent, and since that was my dessert of choice for the most part, I've had to adjust.  Fruit would be the ultimate dessert, but I still get a kick out of artificials, plus they're already in the cupboard, so I've basically had fudge (marshmallow creme) and frosted Krispie treats (peanutbutter by the spoonful, butterscotch chips)... it's all yummy and I currently don't feel like I'm missing out on much, but Good Friday does seem a long way off, and I have a box of chocolate waiting for me in a high cupboard.  I still want to have a chocolate party- with hot cocoa and everything, but Amber honestly believes I'll be sick if I all-of-a-sudden over-indulge.  I do look forward to baking cookies, though, and am not at a point that I can bake them for others without eating some myself, or strongly wanting to.  I've considered freezing the batter, so it'll be all ready next month.

My mom and grandma are now in Amish Ohio somewhere, on their journey to visit here.  I'm actually kind of sad, because 99% of the time, when I see my family after not doing so for a while, it is in Wisconsin, and is all of my family, and some friends.  There's something special about being 'home' and all of the familiarities of the area.  I've now lived here for 4 months, and am rather familiar where things are, and it feels OK.  I'm excited to show them around and spend time with them!    I guess part of my hesitation is that I don't have extra beds for them.  We have sleeping bags, but it's all tile- we've got a cool place and all, it's just not all there yet- so they're staying at a hotel that's easier for them to access the Metro from (plus it has a pool!!)  I want to have a place where people can sta over- let's saying we're watching a movie or something, or maybe they're sick from the chocolate party- they can just crash with us!  That's a goal, at least.  It's kind of hard when I don't want to commit to furniture.  I want to get rid of stuff instead of getting more- be free to move to another place, yet that doesn't help my hospitality goals.  Mom's bringing a trunk full of my things.  Mostly clothes/shoes.  I hope there are some useful/fun things amongst it all, but I also hope it's not too painful to part with a good chunk of it.  I don't want to have my stuff just sitting around my parents' home.

It's sunny and warm (upper 50s) today.  I sat outside reading for lunch.  I hope to have a splash of color so my mom and grandma believe that I'm doing well/am healthy.  I wonder why, when it's about the weather, it's often the 'high' 50s, while when it's age, it's 'upper.'  Is 'upper' more respectful?  And why it's 'lower' vs 'early.'  (e.g. "I'd say he's in his early 30's.")  Hmm.

For those who've been to DC before, or have a special place in their heart for it and have done research, what's your suggestion for a museum to visit?  We'll go all day Saturday and maybe part of Sunday, plus they'll go Friday (so it can be quite a few).