Inspired

After a short 3 months living in our house, I've finally started to feel like maybe there's some stuff we can do to spruce the place up a bit! Dare I say that I may finally be catching a little bit of this "designing" and "decorating" bug that so many others possess. My first foray into gaining some inspiration from the internetz, I came across these three photos that caught my eye.

Up first, the master bedroom. Now, I have a very strong feeling that Max would never go for this. But, he surprises me sometimes with how girly and frilly his taste is. I love the idea of this room. I like the soft color of the wallpaper and the birdcages and the nightstand. The little wire mannequin, I could do without. And the bed. That would definitely have to be at least Queen-Sized for it to work. And I don't think I could wallpaper a whole room, so if this was on the main wall, I think it could work. But, overall I like.



Another master. I think the bed is awesome, although I'm not a fan of the whole color scheme here. Maybe a darker headboard would work. I think I just like the drop lanterns and the two nightstands. The bench here doesn't really look like it goes, but I have been itching for a bed-bench for years now! I could find a really cute one to go with something like this. Again, not a fan of the rust/yellow/turquoise theme, but with different colors, this could work!



Now the fireplace. It's just right there...in the middle of the open living room. Nothing really looks right to me just yet. But, this tickled my fancy. I don't think we would ever do anything like this to ours since it's in such a prominent place in the house...the main focal point, if you will. I like the idea, though. It's shabby, it's chic...it's cute!




Well, baby steps. I'm just getting started. Maybe sometime within the next year I will finally come up with an idea for at least one part of the house! At least the looking for inspiration part is easy and fun. Yay for decorating!

Another list! Why not?

Some interesting things I have learned these last few weeks:

* Eating less and exercising more really does work! I'm officially down 13 pounds and I feel great. I am still nowhere near my ideal weight and I could definitely use some toning, but it's a start and I am looking forward to making more changes and seeing results.

* When I see that there is definite potential to advance in my career at my current company, I am motivated to no end! I had a good discussion with a new VP and the plan is to phase me into an HR role - which is something I have been hoping to do for a few years. Our company is growing quickly and that means the need for an in-house HR person is also growing. A few seminars are scheduled for me and I am looking forward to growing professionally.

* New LCD tv's rule. Finally after years of wanting a new - technologically advanced television, we finally went out and got one this weekend. We got a pretty good deal. 47" Inch Vizio, 120 Hz. It was on sale and it looks great with our new entertainment stand in the living room. No more tv on the floor? Check. I think it was a great purchase and we are very happy with it!

* Lola. What can I say about Lola? Apparently, I am NOT the disiplinarian of the household. The other morning while we were getting ready to leave for school and work, she decided to throw her cheerios all over the bedroom floor. When I came out of the restroom, I asked her to please pick up her cereal. She promptly replied, "No!" And tried to run to the other room. In my sternest "mommy" voice, I told her to get back in the room and to pick up her mess. After a short stare-down, I asked her if she wanted a spanking. *Side note: We don't spank her, but threaten her with spankings. It usually works.* So, after asking her if she wanted a spanking, she proceeded to inform me that "No...only Daddy spank." My mouth dropped. And I told her that I could spank her too. But geez, it was so humorous to me that I had to turn around and laugh. No wonder she thinks I won't spank her. Well, I smacked her bottom and decided to help her pick up the cereal. We got it picked up and I continued to tell her that Mommy would and could spank her, too. I just have to laugh at some of the things that she does. I know there's a time to be serious, but honestly, a lot of things aren't that big of a deal. I guess it's good that Max is "the muscle". I'm sure there will come a time when I need to sit her down and give her a talking to, but until then, I'll be the easy-going, playful and compassionate momma. I think I like the sound of that.

* My new favorite show is The Gilmore Girls. I never watched it while it was on the air, but I always just caught snippets and knew that it was something that I could get into. Well, ABC-Family shows reruns, as does Soap Net and I am enjoying my DVR GG nights. I needed a break from my old stand-by, Frasier, and this is just the thing! I think I am going to netflix it though so I can watch from the beginning. Good stuff!

* Finally, trying to come up with a good 4-5 day vacation spot. Max is looking into some cabins in the mountains of Northern Georgia and I think that would actually be pretty awesome. I really want to go back to Pittsburgh for another game, but I don't think he wants to do that again this year. Boo! I'd also be down for some Nashville time. That's been on my list for a few years now. But, I'm also into getting back to Boston again. That city is the best!

Dilemma

So, I finally found the daycare where I want to move Lola. This place is literally around the corner from our house, not even a 5 minute drive. The program is structured, there is a focus on a particular reading/learning system around which they center the curriculum, the center is right next door to the elementary school she will attend, and - pretty much my favorite part - they have bathrooms IN the classroom, which enables successful potty training much more quickly! I've known since we started looking at houses that I planned on moving her from her current daycare. Now, I'm faced with a dilemma and I'm feeling stuck and need some advice. I love where she's at now. She's been there since she was a teeny 12-week old. The teachers adore her and she adores them. She knows this place, ya know? So, on Tuesday when I dropped her off, I told her teacher that her last day will probably be at the end of the month, as we want to start her at the new place in August. Much to my surprise, when I told the teacher that and after seeing the look of hurt on her face, I almost started crying!! And great - - here I go again. It didn't really help that Max told me when he picked her up yesterday, Ms. Christina (her teacher) cried! She told him that other teachers bring kids in her classroom so they can play with Lola because she is so well-adjusted and she kind of puts the other kids at ease. She said that they didn't want her to go. Anywhoot - I feel really bad. Her current school isn't bad by any means and she has seriously learned so much there. I feel like I need to list the pros and cons of the situation to get a better grasp on things. So, here is the list and I would really love to know what any of you would do:

School A - Kids R Kids, Richmond - PROS
- 5 minutes from the house
- Potty Training success in a few weeks - typically
- Structured Program
- Begin forming friendships/relationships with kids who she will (in all likelihood) grow up with, go to the same elementary, middle and high school with
- Additional Programs that include Spanish, gymnastics, computer and field trips
- More money, monthly - but that also means more money at tax time! Deductions? Yes please.
- IF we ever have another one, heavy discounts for 2nd child


School B - Spring Branch Presbyterian Academy - PROS
- Familiar - been there since 12 weeks; the teachers know her and her personality and they can cater to her if needed
- Cheaper - Save about $50-$70/month if she stays here
- Close to our jobs
- Only stays in class until 1:00 pm at latest - 2:30 if we have to keep her there longer, without extra charges

School A - CONS
- More expensive (but the additional programs seem to make that extra $50-$70 justifiable)
- Unfamiliar - will not know any of the teachers or kids. Will she be scared? Will she be mad? What if she doesn't like the teacher(s)? Will she adjust okay?
- Structured Program means she will have to stay until at least 3:30 pm in order to gain the full benefits - 8:30-3:30 is when the curriculum is "taught".
- If she stays there later, it's been discussed that Max may try to get a second job, which means she won't be picked up until 5:00 pm. Will she adjust to this okay?
- Mommy will take the Westpark Tollway in the morning AND afternoon, which will also be an added cost - approximately $30 extra/month

School B - CONS
- Location - while close to our jobs, it's far from the house and if we ever have a sick day or a time when we need to take her in, it means driving 30 minutes to do so
- While she is familiar with the teachers and kids, if she remains there, we will eventually have to move her (due to bus service to the elementary schools) and my thought process is that it's better to do it sooner rather than later. The longer she remains, the more attached ALL of us will become and when she's 4/5 years old, it will be much more difficult. Right? Right??

All in all, my mind is set on moving her, but I didn't know if I was making too big of a deal out if it all. Is it really that important? All I know is that her forming close relationships and ultimately being in an environment where she feels like part of a group is important to me. ME being the key word here. But hell, she's 2! Gosh, I'm really freaking about this. This is the first really big decision I've had to make for her...for her future. What if I fuck it all up? Man...maybe this is what parenting is really about. Fretting over decisions like this for the rest of their lives. So, it's decision time come July 19th-ish (when I will enroll and pay the new center, if we choose it). I'm scared and really hope I make the right choice.

And then it was July...

I've been neglecting my little blog here. But no need to worry, June was a busy month. I am back and will be updating regularly. Back to work from my week and a half vacation and I must say, I feel refreshed and ready to take on everything that the day throws my way (after this blog update, of course!). Funny thing about vacation, or rather staycation in my case. At this point I would much rather stay at home than deal with the stress of taking an actual vacation. I'm sure this will change by next year, but for now...I'm all good on staying in town during vacation time. What all has happened since last posting, let's start with a run down.

- My baby cakes turned TWO! I can't believe it. She is the light of my life and I am so grateful that I was able to take time off to spend with her for her special day. This is something I hope to be able to do every year - schedule vacation time with her birthday, so once she's old enough we can start going on special birthday trips. We had her kid party on Sunday at Bounce-U and she had an absolute blast! The highlight was when she climbed up the 40-foot slide and didn't want to go down with anybody. Her cousin, Brandon grabbed her around the neck - in a gentle, headlock-y way, and she laid on her stomach and slid down. We were all screaming, noooo! Not on her stomach! But, she was okay, thankfully! It was pretty hilarious. And of course, she got to see all of her aunties at the housewarming, too. All in all, I think the kid had a great birthday.

- We had our housewarming/potluck. Thanks again to all of you ladies! I had a blast and I am glad that I got to see all of you and that we could welcome you all to our new home. The food was delish, the wine was a-plenty and the company was appreciated. We must do it again - not necessarily at my house - just about anywhere will do!

- Speaking of the house, it feels like home. But, as you all saw, there is still lots to do, furniture to buy, pictures to hang, decorating to occur. I made a trip to Pier 1 last week and I pretty much want everything there. I have started my wish list, and I know that slowly, but surely we will get all that we need and it will start to feel even more like home! First on the list - entertainment center/new tv and then a patio set. Pier 1 will be my go-to for the patio. I'm in love with multiple sets.

- Weight Loss/Exercise adventures. I'm officially down 10 pounds since starting my "diet", which is actually more of a lifestyle change. I decided in May that I was serious about losing weight. My "fat" pants were beginning to get tight and I had to do something. No more junk food, no more endless snacking, and most importantly, no more eating like a was still a teenager. I think I finally realized that I am a friggin' 30 year old and I needed to start eating foods that were good for me. Not just for my body and losing weight, but also for my well being. Needless to say, I feel loads better, clothes are beginning to look better, and I am beginning to see a difference. I have been continuing my runs and try to do that at least 3 nights a week. And since variety makes weight loss more effective, I started playing tennis one night a week. I'll be adding more variety in as my schedule gets more concrete. More biking and swimming are on my list! I think I want to lose at least another 10-15 pounds. While I would love to lose like, 30-40 pounds...that just doesn't seem realistic at this point and I refuse to obsess about it to that point. If I'm not "perfect", then so be it. Being healthy and a good example to my daughter is 100%more important than wearing a size 4 again.

- Now that I am back at work, post-vacation, I feel refreshed and focused. We have started the process of moving offices, so that has been thrown my way and it is already stressing me out! But, hey at least I'm staying busy.


All in all, the past month has been a great one and I am looking forward to the second half of 2010.