When Max and I first started dating, this song was put on multiple mix cd's and it was pretty much played constantly. When I hear this song now, it helps me remember the reasons we fell in love. Sometimes it's good to remember. Life gets in the way much too often.
"Banana Pancakes"
by Jack Johnson
You hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song it’s meant to keep you
From doing what you’re supposed to
Like waking up too early
Maybe we could sleep in
I’ll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it’s the weekend now
And we could pretend it all the time
Can’t you see that it’s just raining
There ain’t no need to go outside
But just maybe, hala ka ukulele
Mama made a baby
I really don’t mind the practice
Because you’re my little lady
Lady, lady love me
Because I love to lay here lazy
We could close the curtains
Pretend like there’s no world outside
And we could pretend it all the time
Can’t you see that it’s just raining
There ain’t no need to go outside
Ain’t no need, ain’t no need
Can’t you see, can’t you see
Rain all day and I don’t mind
Telephone singing, ringing, it’s too early
Don’t pick it up
We don’t need to
We got everything we need right here
And everything we need is enough
It’s just so easy
When the whole world fits inside of your arms
Do we really need to pay attention to the alarm
Wake up slow, wake up slow
But baby, you hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song it’s meant to keep you
From doing what you’re supposed to
Like waking up too early
Maybe we could sleep in
I’ll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it’s the weekend now
And we could pretend it all the time
Can’t you see that it’s just raining
There ain’t no need to go outside
Ain’t no need, ain’t no need
Rain all day and I really really really don’t mind
Can’t you see, can’t you see
We’ve got to wake up slow
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
First Day
We made the move. Lola is officially in her new school. We kept reminding her that Monday she would be at a new school with new teachers and new friends. It took me a whole 5 minutes to get to the school, it was great. Over the weekend, we got some new clothes shopping done, so she was decked out in some new shoes and a matching outfit. Well, she didn't wear the necklace to class...but you get the idea.
So, we walk in and she is still very excited. We go into her class and she jumps right into playing with the other kids. Who was I kidding thinking she would have a hard time adapting, right? She proved me wrong and I was very happy about that. One of the perks at this new place is that they have a live video feed for parents to log into and watch their kiddos! I was on that mug almost all day yesterday. It's so fun to watch her interact and play. The video isn't high quality or anything, but it enables me to just see that she's not sitting in a corner by herself all day.
When Max picked her up, she ran to him and exclaimed, "Daddy, Daddy...my new friends!"
I think she had a wonderful first day at her new school, and thus far I am happy about the move. I don't know how the potty training worked out, as the afternoon teachers did not give Max a report. Hopefully Max will ask for a report today and not walk out without one.
Yay for new schools and new friends!
So, we walk in and she is still very excited. We go into her class and she jumps right into playing with the other kids. Who was I kidding thinking she would have a hard time adapting, right? She proved me wrong and I was very happy about that. One of the perks at this new place is that they have a live video feed for parents to log into and watch their kiddos! I was on that mug almost all day yesterday. It's so fun to watch her interact and play. The video isn't high quality or anything, but it enables me to just see that she's not sitting in a corner by herself all day.
When Max picked her up, she ran to him and exclaimed, "Daddy, Daddy...my new friends!"
I think she had a wonderful first day at her new school, and thus far I am happy about the move. I don't know how the potty training worked out, as the afternoon teachers did not give Max a report. Hopefully Max will ask for a report today and not walk out without one.
Yay for new schools and new friends!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Room #1
I think I want to transform the home office. I think I was actually inspired, by all things, and don't laugh...Hobby Lobby. Ha! I went last night to pick up some picture frames and there were so many cute things. I FINALLY framed my Degree and man, it looks good! And that got my little wheels spinning and I am excited to try to start thinking of ideas. It will probably take at least a year to actually have it complete - just because some of the furniture that I have in mind is pricey, and I will have to buy it one at a time! But, I'm thinking a paint job to start. Something nice and neutral. Beige/Tan/Cream - something along those lines. And then I'll move on to some nice drapery. And then the furniture. I'm excited! Here are some of the items that I would love to have:
I love the glass bookcase/display case. I also am in love with RED. This would be the only room that I think I could away with having bright & vibrant colors.
White would work too, though. I like white.
I like this look, too. I like the warm colors and I think the cabinet would look nice with a good, sturdy wood desk.
Gotta throw in a trunk, too. I think my obsession with African/Asian elephants would work well in a room with these items. Haha. I'm such a dork.
Those are just a few ideas I have swimming around in my head. I think I'll go pick out some possible paint choices this weekend. I'm liking the cream/very light yellow color option right now. Updates soon!
I love the glass bookcase/display case. I also am in love with RED. This would be the only room that I think I could away with having bright & vibrant colors.
White would work too, though. I like white.
I like this look, too. I like the warm colors and I think the cabinet would look nice with a good, sturdy wood desk.
Gotta throw in a trunk, too. I think my obsession with African/Asian elephants would work well in a room with these items. Haha. I'm such a dork.
Those are just a few ideas I have swimming around in my head. I think I'll go pick out some possible paint choices this weekend. I'm liking the cream/very light yellow color option right now. Updates soon!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Lucky Number Seven
Dana's challenge has been accepted! After all of the countless surveys completed and the many drunk nights of spilling my deepest, darkest secrets, it's hard to imagine I have anything left to divulge. Ahhh, but I do. I do.
1) When I was around 14 or 15 years old, I pulled my hair out. I had a bald spot for a while. I just loved pulling out those coarse, curly hairs and they always seemed to be in the same exact spot. This all occurred before any knowledge of trichotillomania. I really don't think that was the cause of it at all, but maybe I did have some sort of mild obsession with it. To this day, when I find those crazy hairs, I just have to pull them out and examine - they're SO weird! And gosh, it feels good.
2) I hate sharing. There I said it. I wrote it down. I hate it. You would think, you know having a brother, living with multiple roommates and/or significant others, that I would have learned to share by now. Nope. I still get a tinge of annoyance and an urge to scream "MINE!!" when I see someone (Max) eating something that I think should only be mine, or drinking one of my diet cokes, or using my face wash/shampoo/body wash/RAZOR. I just get so irritated! I want to hoard everything and not let anyone touch it. You see, the thing is...I like to conserve. I like things to last. I hate spending money, so I conserve as much as I possibly can. When someone infringes upon my desire to use as little as possible of something, I want to fly into a rage and throw a fit. But, I know I can't. I know that I should share. It's the right, grown-up thing to do. It's a constant battle for me to stop feeling so annoyed when that last diet coke is gone or when all of my Parmesan goldfish have been eaten. I'm learning...slowly, but surely.
3) My mom sometimes worked nights when we were kids. We had a slew of babysitters, which often included my mom's friends teenage kids. Well, this one dude, Steven would come babysit us pretty frequently. We liked him, he was always fun. One Friday night he came over to watch us, we were probably about 7 & 9 years old...something like that. We were watching some movie and all of a sudden we heard a loud noise in my mom's room. We all got pretty freaked out. So, Steven grabbed a baseball bat and we all huddled together to go check it out. Well, when we were about to open mom's door, we heard a loud bang again! We ran screaming, and Steven called 911 immediately. The operator told us to wait outside while the police were dispatched. About 5 minutes later, the Sugar Land PD rolled up and cautiously entered the house. A few moments later, the cop with a big smile on his face approached us, trying not to laugh, and told us we could go back inside and that he had caught the "robber". It was a frog. He showed us and then he let it hop away. Basically, we called the cops on a frog. Such dorks! But, at least we were cautious and safe dorks.
4) On long road trips, I conduct long, drawn out fantasy worlds where me and my at-the-moment celebrity crush are in love and we go on vacations and we have these really great conversations and sometimes we fight just to make up....if you know what I mean. **wink, wink**
5) I can't listen to "September" by Ryan Adams without bawling, or at least tearing up. That song is so freaking sad, it gets me every time.
6) (Thanks Monique, I'm stealing this from you!) I'm too scared to go to a therapist because I'm afraid they'll tell me to do the things that I really want/need to do and expect me to change. I'll continue on in my happy little bubble until I just absolutely can't anymore. And hopefully that will be never!
7) I could always picture myself as a Mom, but what I pictured and what actually is, are two completely different things. And guess what - the reality one is so much better than I ever imagined. I absolutely love being a mommy and my heart beats for that little ragamuffin. She has changed my world completely.
1) When I was around 14 or 15 years old, I pulled my hair out. I had a bald spot for a while. I just loved pulling out those coarse, curly hairs and they always seemed to be in the same exact spot. This all occurred before any knowledge of trichotillomania. I really don't think that was the cause of it at all, but maybe I did have some sort of mild obsession with it. To this day, when I find those crazy hairs, I just have to pull them out and examine - they're SO weird! And gosh, it feels good.
2) I hate sharing. There I said it. I wrote it down. I hate it. You would think, you know having a brother, living with multiple roommates and/or significant others, that I would have learned to share by now. Nope. I still get a tinge of annoyance and an urge to scream "MINE!!" when I see someone (Max) eating something that I think should only be mine, or drinking one of my diet cokes, or using my face wash/shampoo/body wash/RAZOR. I just get so irritated! I want to hoard everything and not let anyone touch it. You see, the thing is...I like to conserve. I like things to last. I hate spending money, so I conserve as much as I possibly can. When someone infringes upon my desire to use as little as possible of something, I want to fly into a rage and throw a fit. But, I know I can't. I know that I should share. It's the right, grown-up thing to do. It's a constant battle for me to stop feeling so annoyed when that last diet coke is gone or when all of my Parmesan goldfish have been eaten. I'm learning...slowly, but surely.
3) My mom sometimes worked nights when we were kids. We had a slew of babysitters, which often included my mom's friends teenage kids. Well, this one dude, Steven would come babysit us pretty frequently. We liked him, he was always fun. One Friday night he came over to watch us, we were probably about 7 & 9 years old...something like that. We were watching some movie and all of a sudden we heard a loud noise in my mom's room. We all got pretty freaked out. So, Steven grabbed a baseball bat and we all huddled together to go check it out. Well, when we were about to open mom's door, we heard a loud bang again! We ran screaming, and Steven called 911 immediately. The operator told us to wait outside while the police were dispatched. About 5 minutes later, the Sugar Land PD rolled up and cautiously entered the house. A few moments later, the cop with a big smile on his face approached us, trying not to laugh, and told us we could go back inside and that he had caught the "robber". It was a frog. He showed us and then he let it hop away. Basically, we called the cops on a frog. Such dorks! But, at least we were cautious and safe dorks.
4) On long road trips, I conduct long, drawn out fantasy worlds where me and my at-the-moment celebrity crush are in love and we go on vacations and we have these really great conversations and sometimes we fight just to make up....if you know what I mean. **wink, wink**
5) I can't listen to "September" by Ryan Adams without bawling, or at least tearing up. That song is so freaking sad, it gets me every time.
6) (Thanks Monique, I'm stealing this from you!) I'm too scared to go to a therapist because I'm afraid they'll tell me to do the things that I really want/need to do and expect me to change. I'll continue on in my happy little bubble until I just absolutely can't anymore. And hopefully that will be never!
7) I could always picture myself as a Mom, but what I pictured and what actually is, are two completely different things. And guess what - the reality one is so much better than I ever imagined. I absolutely love being a mommy and my heart beats for that little ragamuffin. She has changed my world completely.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, July 19, 2010
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!
* 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!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, July 5, 2010
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.
- 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.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Settled
Some stuff-
-So, we are officially in the house and we are back to feeling normal and like we are settled in. The move-in went well, besides the washing machine incident. But, otherwise our furniture looks fantastic - and is super comfy! We are all unpacked, save for a few items that we still need to hang on the walls. I think we've settled in nicely. Had a family breakfast the other weekend and all of Max's family got to see the house. It was fun. My brother and kiddos have been by a few times to play with Lola - which she loves. Trying to think of a good time to have a sort of housewarming, but with Lola's birthday right around the corner, I'm not sure how soon we will be able to have 2 parties back-to-back! But, we will get there soon
enough.
-We are going to Arkansas for our semi-annual visit to PawPaw John. My little sister is graduating high school and we will be there for that. It's always good to get away for a few days, we always have a great time up there. It's a long weekend so we'll get an extra day to spend with the family.
-I feel like I've finally conquered my demons who weren't allowing me successful weight loss. Well, I can now totally blame it on living in a house with a kitchen that no one would want to cook in. Overall, I pretty much gained back the weight I had lost in 2008/2009. I was looking okay there for a while. But, life got hectic and my body paid the price. I have lost 7 pounds since being in our new home. I haven't bought my lunch once since we've moved! That means, saving money and eating better, healthier and less. Oh, and I've been drinking at least 3 liters of water a day! This is helping me stay full. Love it. I've been running around the neighborhood a few times, but still need to find a route that I like better. I ran a 5K this past weekend and my time was pretty comparable to my average - about 35 minutes. Although, back in the cooler months of March/April, my time was at 32 minutes. I blame it on the heat! Oh well, I'm back in the zone and I plan to definitely better my running times. I hope to run another 5K in June, so we will see if I improve at all. I've also finally gotten back to the gym! Been loving the pool these past few weeks. I'm determined to lose at least 15 pounds now. It will take some time, but I'm confident!
That's about it for now. Looking forward to some lady-time soon!
-So, we are officially in the house and we are back to feeling normal and like we are settled in. The move-in went well, besides the washing machine incident. But, otherwise our furniture looks fantastic - and is super comfy! We are all unpacked, save for a few items that we still need to hang on the walls. I think we've settled in nicely. Had a family breakfast the other weekend and all of Max's family got to see the house. It was fun. My brother and kiddos have been by a few times to play with Lola - which she loves. Trying to think of a good time to have a sort of housewarming, but with Lola's birthday right around the corner, I'm not sure how soon we will be able to have 2 parties back-to-back! But, we will get there soon
enough.
-We are going to Arkansas for our semi-annual visit to PawPaw John. My little sister is graduating high school and we will be there for that. It's always good to get away for a few days, we always have a great time up there. It's a long weekend so we'll get an extra day to spend with the family.
-I feel like I've finally conquered my demons who weren't allowing me successful weight loss. Well, I can now totally blame it on living in a house with a kitchen that no one would want to cook in. Overall, I pretty much gained back the weight I had lost in 2008/2009. I was looking okay there for a while. But, life got hectic and my body paid the price. I have lost 7 pounds since being in our new home. I haven't bought my lunch once since we've moved! That means, saving money and eating better, healthier and less. Oh, and I've been drinking at least 3 liters of water a day! This is helping me stay full. Love it. I've been running around the neighborhood a few times, but still need to find a route that I like better. I ran a 5K this past weekend and my time was pretty comparable to my average - about 35 minutes. Although, back in the cooler months of March/April, my time was at 32 minutes. I blame it on the heat! Oh well, I'm back in the zone and I plan to definitely better my running times. I hope to run another 5K in June, so we will see if I improve at all. I've also finally gotten back to the gym! Been loving the pool these past few weeks. I'm determined to lose at least 15 pounds now. It will take some time, but I'm confident!
That's about it for now. Looking forward to some lady-time soon!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Flying by...
My goodness, it's almost June, which means that Lola is almost TWO. I cannot believe it. It seems like so much has happened in these last two years, and now that I actually think about it - a lot HAS happened! Let's see we've been through a hurricane, we've taken a few road trips to Arkansas, we've moved twice, went through semi-renovating a house, bought a new house, and now that we're in the new house I am hoping that everything calms down and stays calm for the next two years! But, we know that probably won't be the case. I hope in the next two years a few friends will welcome their own little bundles o' joy and I'll get to be an Auntie again. That or I may just have to have another one of my own. We're still pretty much undecided about that, but that's another blog post.
Since we're almost 2, here's a little update on Lo-bear. She is amazing. Her language has blossomed immensely in these last few months. She actually uses phrases now and we can almost tell what she wants when she tries to tell us. She is a riot. She's actually really funny and goofy. She is bossy, according to her teachers at school. She "enforces" the rules and has no problem telling all of the other kids "no" when they are doing something they're not supposed to. She can count to 4. I was totally surprised by this yesterday. She was sitting on the floor in the guest room, taking out candles from the packaging, and counting them out, "1..2..3..4." She can also say a few words in spanish - abre, hola, corre - all thanks to Dora the Explorer, I'm sure. And she can count to two in spanish. We're starting on the alphabet and her colors, cause she hasn't quite grasped those yet. She still loves music and I catch her singing along to certain songs at times, and she loves to sing along with me. Her favorite hobby? Jumping. Jumping. Jumping. That is all this kid wants to do. Don't even get her near a "moonwalk", "jumperoo" thing. She will stay in that thing for hours. Jumping on the beds, the couches, off of anything that is even an inch off the ground. What else? Oh, she likes kicking the ball. We got her a soccer ball and she will stay outside and actually kick that thing around. And she kicks pretty well, considering she's only 22.5 months! Maybe I have a little soccer player on my hands.
Here are a few pics that my dad took while he was in town last month. Enjoy!
At her cousin's birthday party, eating her fave - a cupcake!
See how happy they make her?!
With one of her cousins, Brandon on his John Deere. She loved it!
Jumping! She was extremely ticked off when I had to drag her off, kicking and screaming. It was the end of her world.
Jumping on her bed. It's amazing that she's never had to visit the emergency room!
Giving her pawpaw John kisses. She loves him so much!
Look at those curls!!
Another thing she loves? Being outside. Being a kid rules!
So, there you have it, a few new pics. It's amazing how time flies and how quickly they grow. I miss my little baby, but I love being able to watch her grow into a little girl! Here's to the next 2 years!
Since we're almost 2, here's a little update on Lo-bear. She is amazing. Her language has blossomed immensely in these last few months. She actually uses phrases now and we can almost tell what she wants when she tries to tell us. She is a riot. She's actually really funny and goofy. She is bossy, according to her teachers at school. She "enforces" the rules and has no problem telling all of the other kids "no" when they are doing something they're not supposed to. She can count to 4. I was totally surprised by this yesterday. She was sitting on the floor in the guest room, taking out candles from the packaging, and counting them out, "1..2..3..4." She can also say a few words in spanish - abre, hola, corre - all thanks to Dora the Explorer, I'm sure. And she can count to two in spanish. We're starting on the alphabet and her colors, cause she hasn't quite grasped those yet. She still loves music and I catch her singing along to certain songs at times, and she loves to sing along with me. Her favorite hobby? Jumping. Jumping. Jumping. That is all this kid wants to do. Don't even get her near a "moonwalk", "jumperoo" thing. She will stay in that thing for hours. Jumping on the beds, the couches, off of anything that is even an inch off the ground. What else? Oh, she likes kicking the ball. We got her a soccer ball and she will stay outside and actually kick that thing around. And she kicks pretty well, considering she's only 22.5 months! Maybe I have a little soccer player on my hands.
Here are a few pics that my dad took while he was in town last month. Enjoy!
At her cousin's birthday party, eating her fave - a cupcake!
See how happy they make her?!
With one of her cousins, Brandon on his John Deere. She loved it!
Jumping! She was extremely ticked off when I had to drag her off, kicking and screaming. It was the end of her world.
Jumping on her bed. It's amazing that she's never had to visit the emergency room!
Giving her pawpaw John kisses. She loves him so much!
Look at those curls!!
Another thing she loves? Being outside. Being a kid rules!
So, there you have it, a few new pics. It's amazing how time flies and how quickly they grow. I miss my little baby, but I love being able to watch her grow into a little girl! Here's to the next 2 years!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)