We're covering a lot of ground in this post including books, music, blogging, and toddlers

First, a big thank you for all your kind words and emails yesterday. It seemed a little weird writing about at first, but you're never anything but supportive. It always means so much. Seriously, thanks.

***

If you've been following my sidebar list (because my to-do list should totally be a priority for you), you know I try to discover a new band or artist once a month. If you don't follow the list, well now you also know.

Anyway, no lie, all the musicians I've listed have come from one of two places: 1) Pandora or 2) CW shows, most likely One Tree Hill.

But have you discovered any great new music you'd like to tell me about? 

***

Kyle's transitioning from the pre-toddler to toddler room at school and he's ... uh ... not handling it so well. He loves his current class and his teacher so much that I drop him off happy as can be, playing with his friends and waving goodbye, and I pick him up in the other room where he's hanging onto the window that separates the rooms SOBBING and POINTING, like get me the fuck where I belong people.

The teachers are all very reassuring that this is totally normal and he'll be fine in a couple weeks but. AH. MY HEART. IT HURTS.

I hate seeing him upset and, yeah, I hate paying for him to be so upset, especially when he was really thriving in his room. I understand he can't stay in the pre-toddler room forever, he's one of the oldest as it is, but maybe they could just move the teacher with him? Keep him in the same room and move all the other toddlers to him? That's not crazy or demanding or weird to request, right?

But, tell me, did your kids have a hard time transitioning rooms at their day care/pre-school?

***

I'm going to BlogHer next week. WILL I EVER STOP TRAVELING AND LEAVING MY CHILD WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO LOVE HIM? It's also become so much harder to leave him now that he's older and fun and able to give me kisses and hugs goodbye. And punish me upon my return. Oh, hey, I'll just be over here preferring my dad to you, MOTHER.

Anyway, if you're going to be at BlogHer, please say hello. Here's a picture of me, so you know who to approach and hand a glass of champagne to.

I hope to meet you, all of you, and I also hope you'll swing by the small happy hour the Style Lush editors and writers are hosting.

We'll be in the Lobby Lounge of the Hilton Hotel at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 7th. 

(Feel free to also email me for my cell number, in case you'd like to meet up at any other point over the weekend.)

***

Randomly, any good books you've been reading? I'm on a reading kick. I haven't said that in three years.

Comments

[Bobbi Janay]

I have been reading the Sookie books they are really good.

[Operation Pink Herring]

I get all my new music from either Pandora, the CW, Twilight franchise soundtracks, or commercials. Daylight by Matt and Kim, Major Tom by Shiny Toy Guns, 1901 by Phoenix (actually, Pandora gave me that one first, and then I felt all smug and hip when I recognized it on TV): all from commercials.

[Kristabella]

I'll be there! But I think you remember what I look like (I HOPE!) :)

Is your cell the same? Mine is. I think you're still in my phone as Jennie Purple! :)

[agirlandaboy]

My new favorite band is Derby (as featured in my little music video of our recent trip to Sonoma) and they are GOOOOOOOOD. Musically smart smart smart if you really pay attention, and if you don't, they're still a really good time.

[Hillary]

The Boy had a really hard time transitioning to the 1-year-old room at our old daycare ... and just when he was settled, they closed unexpectedly, giving us just a week to find a new place. That was fun times for everyone, let me tell you. But they do settle in eventually. Talk up the new room, try not to linger too much when he's upset and one day, you'll wish he'd just stand still long enough to give you a hug goodbye, damn it, instead of running off with his friends.

And books -- well, I was going to suggest This Is Where I Leave You, but I see you've already read it. I liked Imperfect Birds and Blue Shoe by Anne Lamott.

[Hillary]

Oh, and if you like Leona Naess, you might try Rachael Yamagata or Mandy Moore's album, Amanda Leigh. (I know, it's Mandy Moore, but I swear, it's pretty good stuff.)

[jive turkey]

Aw, poor kid. Sadie LOVED transitioning into the "Young Toddler" room -- turns out she was more than ready to ditch those babies and get on the damn playground already. But some days she's clingier than other during the morning drop-off, and it sucks. Her teachers always tell me she is fine within 3 minutes of when I leave, and you know? I finally started believing them and stopped beating myself up all day about it. So I'd trust Kyle's teachers when they say he'll totally be fine, but I'd also ask for their help in making the transition easier -- I'm sure they'd be receptive to it. They do love the little guy, after all. Are any of his friends making the move with him? I know that sometimes helps.

Oh, and the song "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is the soundtrack to my summer. Give it a listen.

[Gayle]

My son didn't have a problem transitioning from room to room, but he did have problems settling on a pre-school. We went through four and a stint at home before he decided on the one that he stayed in.
It does hurt your heart to put then through it I agree.
havefun at Blogher

[Kerri Anne]

Books: You Shall Know Our Velocity by Dave Eggers (perfect for the hectic traveler in you); Shiver and Linger by Maggie Stiefvater; The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (It's his new! post-Percy Jackson series, which I'm sure you already knew).

[cindy w]

I don't know if they have glasses of champagne at LaGuardia, but thanks for the pic. It'll definitely help when I'm trying to track you down. :-)

Books: Have you already read "American Wife" by Curtis Sittenfield? Because it's really good.

[leenie]

music!!
best bands ever:
mumford and sons
josh ritter
the spring standards
delta spirit

books!!
best books ever:
let the great world spin
in the woods

yay! enjoy. happy summer.

[Home Sweet Sarah]

God, I suck at finding new music...Thank goodness for you and your commenters.

As for books, I just finished "American Wife." Agreed with Cindy W above...Very good.

And I'm a sucker for the Stieg Larsson series and am just starting the final book, "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest."

[hillary]

I really love She & Him (both Volume 1 and Volume 2.) To me they're dreamy, summer music. Hannah Georgas is someone I've recently discovered. She's like a blend of Ingrid Michaelson, Imogen Heap, and Regina Spektor (who are also awesome, if you've not listened to any of their stuff before.) I'm really enjoying the new Stars album The Five Ghosts, the new Wolf Parade album Expo 86 and the new album Brothers by The Black Keys.

[Andrea]

Hi, for the first time. I don't remember how I found your blog anymore, but I really like your blog.

I love finding new music too. Although I'm usually behind the times compared to most of my friends. Some of my recommendations for you are Two Door Cinema Club and Broken Bells. I also am with Hillary above, check out Brothers by the Black Keys.

[Heather]

Have fun at BlogHer! And drink some champagne for me!

[Jenn]

I don't have any music recommendations, but I will weigh in on Kyle's transition because I do toddler transitions for a living :) ... I'm sure there are more details to the transition than you have the time and energy to share, but just briefly: his teacher should be with him during the earliest stages of the transition; he should not be in tears for longer than ten minutes (he should be at least observing the happenings in his new room); his new teacher should ever-so-slowly and gingerly take over from his teacher when it comes to comforting him and engaging him in his new environment. Transitions at that age are actually a really big deal and need to be handled very, very carefully. You'll want to ask some questions of the staff, at the very least -- he clearly needs a little more help and support.

[natalie]

You have got to check out Charlie Shafter Band and the Gnomes. Just imagine him with no clothes on while listening to him. Next time he plays will you come with me to watch him?

You must read Lisa Scottoline's "Why My 3rd Husband Will be a Dog." Oh, the humor is spot on. Each chapter is about 2 pages, so you can put it down every 5 minutes and never be lost. It has tons of silly advice and observations of this crazy world. I've never read any of her mystery stuff.

Liar's Club was awesome. Thanks for lending it to me! But, maybe i only enjoyed it b/c it was about east TX.

And as for toddler transitions...I see it all the time. Most of the chickadees cry for about 5 minutes and then are completely fine! The teachers aren't lying! He's going to be great just give it a week or so, and he'll be tumbling with the other kids in no time!

[Kassaundra Thompson]

If you haven't already heard of them, you MUST check out Pinback. My favorite songs are Fortress and Non-Photo Blue. They are quirky and VERY catchy. :-) You must must give them a listen! :-)

[Jen L.]

Dean had a bit of a rough transition from the baby to toddler class, too. He was NOT happy his favorite teacher wasn't there, but eventually decided this room was cooler because they got to play outside or in the gym every single day. Still, it killed me to leave him crying. So I get it. Poor Kyle baby.

Ohmahgah, BLOGHER!!! I really can't wait to meet you. You're on my top 5 list. I'll email you my phone number because I'd love to say hi when you've got time. I'll try to plan to be at the Lobby Lounge on Saturday. See you soon--safe travels!

[Candy]

You sound sad... <3

[Michelle]

Rachel has had a hard time transitioning EVERY TIME we move her. This last time, just after the fourth of July holiday, she moved to pre-K, her last move before kindergarten. It was rough for about the first two weeks, but she's adjusting. Even the all-afternoon visits for about a month before the move didn't ease the fear on her first day in pre-K. But she's okay now, I think it just takes a little time. But my heart hurt too. Every day.

[Sara @ Belle Plaine]

I will also be reading for transitioning advice because Noah starts at his new daycare tomorrow. EEEEKKKKKK! We shall commiserate over drinks on Saturday, yes? Ok, good.

Also, I will hug you when I see you. Be prepared.

[Katy]

I'll let you know how transitioning goes next week when I torture my child and leave him with strangers next week. *sniff* I'm not being at all melodramatic, right?

Showing a picture and then asking for booze? You're my kind of gal.