Sometimes, My Hubby Really Sets it Off!

So, hubby made good on his word and took the girls to the park. I went downstairs and walked my butt off on the treadmill for about thirty-five minutes. I always feel so good after my workouts. Afterwards, I took a good, long shower and came out all fresh and new to the garage door opening. Perfect timing! Hubby made dinner and cleaned the kitchen when we were done. What a guy! I was ready to pass out by 8:30pm, but he insisted that I walk him to the door. Well, it's the least I could do. ;-)

Before all this, I picked up my babe from summer camp. She was outside playing and came running up to me, happily (thank goodness). She emptied the sand from her sandals, while one of the teachers told me that she thought that she (my babe) had a good first day.
"It's funny," said the teacher. "She came running up to me when I got here and gave me a hug and she doesn't even know me."

"Well, she must have sensed something in you, " says I. "You know, children are so perceptive."

I truly believe this. So, the first day at camp was good. The babe grabs her backpack and shows me to her classroom, where there's artwork on the walls that the kids created earlier that day. She tells me that they sang songs about Jesus, colored, ate breakfast and lunch, played outside, etc.... She seems really tired, which was great. I totally didn't want her sitting around this summer being bored and it looks like I got my wish.

This morning, while brushing my teeth, the power blinked out. Nice. The babe starts hollering, "MOM!" Yeah, okay. I'm not an electrician, dear. There's nothing I can do. So, she brushes by flashlight. Thankfully, the sun was pretty much up when we were getting ready, so I opened the blinds to allow for more light to filter in. I call the power company to see what the deal is. Seems a car accident left us powerless and that we would not see power until 8:00am (it was 6:20 when I called). The big question; how do I get out of my garage without power? Hubby calls.

"Hey!"

"Hey! Are you coming home because the power's out and I can't open the garage door by myself." (I know that sounds wimpy, but that joker is heavy as hell. Who knew!)

"Yeah. I'm coming home. Me and "O" are on our way home right now. He's gotta get something from me."

"Okay. I'll see you when you get here."

Crisis averted. He comes home and "poof" my garage door opens. It's nice to have a manly man around sometimes. I head out with the kids and roadblock. Roadblock? Could I have any more delays? I turn around and head back the way I came, make a turn and head in the direction I need to go. Finally, I drop off the babe and I'm headed for the highway. You know, there's a special kind of stupid on the highways at 7:00am. They need to stop opening the mental hospitals at that hour, lettin' all the crazies on the road. WTH?

Anyway, I get to work three minutes earlier than yesterday. Go figure!

Today, the kids are off to the park for a picnic. I hope they remember the water. It's supposed to be 95 here today. 95! Just two weeks ago, we were having record lows in the upper 50's. Crazy weather! At any rate, I hope they enjoy their picnic.

Field Day; It's Not Just for Kids

I took Friday off to be with my oldest for her field day. I was slotted for 12:00 to 12:35...not to run an actual event, but to take the kids out to the field and sort of babysit while they participated. My group of ten was too precious (including my own little chocolate morsel). They're first event? Sack races! The mom running the event succeeded in confusing the kids thoroughly, so then I came up with a different set of rules that had them hopping for joy. Between the two of us, we came up with ways to keep it interesting. Unfortunately, there's only so much hopping you can do in ten minutes. I wish they'd thought to include more activities or shorten the time...plus, it was nearly 90 degrees. Too damn hot!

Next, they had a popcicle station. The kids all got a chance to cool off under the trees and suck on their popcicles (most everyone picked green). Funny how none of them wanted to rest under the trees, but rather decided it would be much more fun to play with Indy's feet and touch her hands with their grubby little disease carriers. Man! I was all about the baby wipes when station three finally opened up.

Station three was "Jump the Creek" where you take two jump ropes and have the kids jump over. Then, you space out the ropes a bit more and have them do it again. This lasted all of three minutes, but the mommy who ran this station was creative. "Okay. Let's all play Duck, Duck, Goose!" Perfect! Seven minutes later, all the kids had had a turn and it was time for the fourth and final station.

Parachute play! Okay, whoever thought this would keep a 5 year old's attention needed to rethink because after only 30 seconds of this, the kids were bored. It consisted of grabbing onto a circular, multi-colored, nylon cloth with handles. The kids shook this while rubber chickens bounced around on top. Yeah. Lame. Can someone point me to the water balloons, please? Turns out, the older kids got to do more waterplay; balloons, water guns, silly slides. So, apparently if you're five you don't like water. I totally needed to be on the field day committee. I'll see about that next year.

After field day, I took my daughter by the place that is to be her summer camp (first day today). She was shy, which I anticipated, but anxious to do some fun activities this summer. When we got home, she was running a fever of 102, poor kid. I made her lie down and gave her a dose of children's motrin. She rested, drank juice, had her lunch and watched Matilda. It was so cute and she totally enjoyed it. The little girl in the story is supposed to be 6 1/2, so I could see she felt a sort of kinship with her. Thankfully, she didn't feel a kinship to her situation. That girl had it rough, but she did get her happily ever after.

The rest of the weekend was very pleasant, aside from sickly kids (Indy wasn't feeling so hot after all the vaccines she got). We washed cars on Saturday and went to the park yesterday. Hubby is trying to "plan" events in order to give the family more focused time together. It actually worked! Making arrangements and sticking to them, allowed his mind to focus (so he wouldn't drift off to sleep). He says that he wants to take the girls to a different park today...he and only the girls. Personal time for mom. Yahoo! I'm thinking I'll get a good workout in. The kind that will make me wanna pass out afterwards. I'm missing my workout time.

Tomorrow is the babe's dress rehearsal and dad has to take her (but I will definitely meet them there). He also has to take her to the dentist on Wednesday. I'm so happy he's getting so involved with the things I do all the time. It gives me a break, but also gives him more time with the kids. She's so excited about her recital and we have a few people coming outside of our immediate family. I hope she doesn't get stage fright. This is the first time she will be performing in front of a large group. I'm hoping she eats up all the attention and continues forward with performance studies. I suppose all will be revealed on Wednesday night (performance night). I wonder if Indy will be into dance like her big sister? I've been thinking about how her personality will manifest, once she's older; will she be an extrovert or an introvert? will she have lots of friends? will she adjust to change better than her sister? will she totally love music and animals or not care for them? It's an adventure everyday! Now, if I could just get her to sleep through the night again...

P.S. She tasted carrots this weekend and seemed to like them. She had a little trouble keeping the food in her mouth but, we had pretty good success, nonetheless.

Quick post

I'll try and post later today, but if I don't I'm running to the doc for Indy's third well-baby visit. The poor thing gets 5 vaccinations this visit. Yikes! Poor kid. She ran a low-grade fever after the last visit (same number of vaccs). Then, it's home to clean my pigsty of a house. I told hubby to "let some things go" in order to make more time for the family. Geesh! Who knew it would leave my house looking like a hurricane went through it.

Hubby and his friend are trying to make a "play date", so to speak. They want to finish tiling our basement so that he (hubby) can go ahead an finish the trim. Then, we can move all of our living room down to the basement (family room). It'll be so nice if that happens. There's so much room down there! We cleaned it up nicely so, I'll try and take a few pictures. (I know, I always say that but I really will). :-)

Later...

An Up and Down Weekend

Friday was the beginning of a long weekend for most Americans, including myself. I began mine by working from home and finishing up around 1pm. Oh, how I'm going to miss that - I'm back to everyday at the office next week. It makes me so sad. Then, I picked up the babe, ran some errands, came home and helped hubby get the basement ready for our guests (my coworker "C's" husband used to be a contractor). They were coming over to help hubby learn how to put in the trim...well, he was. She was along for the ride and our company. It turned out to be a nice evening. The pizza and beer were plentiful (although the beer was for her husband only...hubby and I don't touch the stuff) and we all had a really great time until...blakkkk. Enchantress see's her pizza and most of her margarita for the second time.

It was awful! I haven't been that nauseated since I was pregnant with my first child. The mouth was watering, the stomach was contracting and churning something awful. It was gruesome and continued through the night. The next day, it was coming out of the other end. Yeah, I know. Real nice, Enchantress. I didn't eat much and, consequently, that Sunday I looked rather good standing in the mirror in my skivies. Oh, what puking and dehydration will do to a body. Gratefully, I don't enjoy this pattern and could never be a true bulimic. My sides were so sore just from the couple times of vomiting from the night before. I can't imagine doing this on the regular.

By Sunday, I was feeling much better and could eat without feeling like it was my death sentence. We went to church, then home, then "happy" times with hubby, then a nap, then off to my mother's for BBQ. Well, it would have been BBQ if the weather had cooperated. Instead, she baked Cajun salmon and sirloin, boiled corn on the cob and simmered baked beans. It was all good. Then, we watched Anchorman, while my sister pouted upstairs. She makes me so crazy! You're a grown-ass woman, now. Get over yourself, would you?

Monday was filled with rest, relaxation and many, many Orange, Cranberry Vodka breezes. I did the babe's hair (sans extensions), gave the baby a bathe and we all turned in (and a little more "happy" time with hubby). And little Indy? Up at 5:00am. Oh, man...I am so digging this!

Running on Sleep!

Little Indy didn't wake up until 4:00 am this morning. Is it a fluke? Man, I hope not. After I woke up and realized nothing was wrong, the thrill set in. Woohoo! Come on baby, just sleep a couple hours longer and mama will kiss your cute little baby feet. (oh wait, I already do that).

I hate to sound like a broken record, but my hubby's schedule sucks! I mean, it really sucks! It sucks to the Nth degree of sucking! How can I put this...um..it sucks! (This too shall pass, this too shall pass, this too shall pass). I have to chant it like a monk, otherwise I may pull my hair out (oh wait, I already do that...been wearing the ponies and pieces again, since mom put in my perm).

It's getting serious (like not so long ago). When you can't remember the last time you got some, it's been too damn long. I mean, I really can't remember. Granted, TOM showed up in there somewhere and there's not much to be had when it's around but, seriously, it only lasts five days. What is up? You know, I don't mean to come across as some sex starved maniac but, I don't know what's happened to me in the last two years. It used to be that once or twice a week was fine for me. Even if a couple of weeks went by, I was still okay. These days, I'm damn near climbing the freakin' walls after 48 hours. Maybe it's true what they say about women peaking at forty. My libido is on the the uphill climb and I'm going with it, whether I want to or not. My hubby even commented on it a couple of weeks ago (of course, he wasn't complaining).

I found some "love" coupons he gave me, back on Valentine's day. I'm thinking of cashing in. One's for "An All-inclusive Sex Session" another is for "The Position of your Choice". Creativity abound! Some how I have a feeling I'd be put off. It's really quite sad. How many post pregnancy women are this eager to get laid by any means necessary? I personally don't know of one. Most women in my position don't want their husbands anywhere near them. Their husbands are viewed like the plague minus the possibilty of a cure. I could blame it on hormones (oh wait, I already do that).

It's too bad our little date this Saturday can't last the entire weekend. It would be nice to have hubby all to myself, but that's not gonna happen. In fact, I don't think we'll get another weekend to ourselves until Indy's at least two (potty-trained and self-contained - that's how my mother likes 'em). I guess I'm stuck for the time being. Man, don't I just hate feeling like I'm walking into a wall...turning and trying to walk a different direction then, wham! Another wall? WTF?! I guess there's nothing left to do but fantasize (oh wait, I already do that).

I'm Still Here

No. I didn't drop off the planet, but I haven't posted very regularly on this blog for a bit (see the "other" site). My life has been a bit topsy turvy for the past couple of weeks. We begin with my mother-in-law's first stay at our home but first, a little history:

When hubby and I got together and eventually married, I had never before met his mother or stepfather. I didn't meet them until we were getting ready to move to Utah (summer of '98). We drove from Nashville to Missouri, where we stopped off for fourteen hours to see his family. It was the longest fourteen hours of my life!

Having always lived in major cities all my life, I was not prepared for the small town world that is my husband's childhood home. Oh my dear Lord! One grocery store, two gas stations, about a dozen churches, one large factory that everyone seems to work for, one hotel and two schools. I couldn't believe anyone would want to live there! His mother is a short lady, even shorter than me...very dark with eyes that seek out (just like his). She's had a hard life, but had an easy smile and seemed happy to see her oldest boy again. I didn't really get to know her in that short time frame, but I did get an opportunity to take in the area in which he grew up. It was no wonder to me why he left. Anyone who stayed after high school (with no plans for college or military life)was pretty much stuck.

Fast forward three years. Most of his family remaining at home drove out to visit for two days. Two days after over 1,000 miles. WTH? Still, I only got to know a bit more due to all the people; his four brothers, his niece, his stepfather and mother had all come. Getting to know anyone really didn't happen.

So, on this visit, his mother has been staying at his sister's house partially and our house. She's been bonding with the babe and Indy. I've lots of opportunities to talk with her and learn more about her. I even got some of the stories that hubby never discusses with me. It has been enlightening. She even said that she told her husband that she really likes me and that she's glad that we've seen fit to work things out and remain a couple. Surprisingly, she also said, "And I'm so glad both of your babies have the same daddy." Hmm. Definitely an indication of the living conditions where she comes from.

What's really been nice is how eager she is to spend time with our kids. It's not just that she hasn't had a lot of time with them, it's that she just genuinely loves children. I can't believe how many times, since she's been here, that I've been able to run here and there sans kids. It's been great! I always have to plan a month ahead for my mom to even think about watching my kids. Granted, she works and is very busy, but she's also quick to say, "My children are grown." She just isn't a typical grandma. I also have a feeling that when my uncle and his wife are here, they will be the same way as my mother-in-law. Damn, I wish they all lived here. Not that I want to ditch my kids, but it sure would be a nice alternative to dropping them off at the neighbors when we want a night out (once in a blue moon).

Other than the mother-in-law visit, I've been dealing with separation anxiety with hubby. When the bodybuilding show went bust (due to a very neglectful contractor who did not submit the tests of 20 or so contestants on time), he took several days off. It was wonderful! He was around and could help with the kids. I had adult conversation and someone to play with. Then, he went back to work and all communication seemed to stop (house cleaning, yard work, sleeping for work, preparation for work, the gym). I got a nice long phone message from him about spending time together and making sure we make time for each other, but I've heard this speech before. My availability is totally different than his and, truth be told, it is he not I that must make the sacrifices for time. I don't live at the gym. I don't run 100 errands a day nor do I need to in a week's time. He always knows where I am and where to find me, he just needs to give up the "extra stuff" and find me.

I'm trying to stay occupied, regardless. The babe and I each got a paint-by-numbers kit to do together. Hers is a scene of three dolphins jumping out of of wave. Mine is a Unicorn on cobblestones, which I hope looks nice enough to hang in Indy's room. We've had a good time together, painting. I've also soaked off the acrylics and have started to try and learn the guitar again (you just can't get the chords right if your nails are too long). Indy likes the sounds the guitar makes and the babe wants to learn to play, too. Maybe someday. For now, she's busy preparing for her dance recital and, that very weekend, will begin swim lessons again.

School will be out June 2nd and I'm on a waiting list for a summer program for the babe. Gosh, I hope they call. Otherwise, I have no idea what I'm going to do. I don't want to spend nearly $600 dollars a month for a program here in Salt Lake. We just can't afford that. Indy is making half turns and has nearly made it to her stomach, with me watching. My mother-in-law said that she has made it to her tummy. It's been so special watching all of these milestones again. Indy is really coming into her own.

Teething and Lost Teeth

Thursday, I picked up my oldest from my sister-in-law's house and she was crying because eating her spaghetti was painful. Her uncle says, "She keeps saying her tooth is bothering her and it hurts to eat," to which I reply, (to her more than to him), "Why aren't you chewing in the back of your mouth like we talked about?"and through the tears and mumbling, I see her bottom tooth just aching to be pulled (she wouldn't let me all last week or the week before).

So, we get home and I explain to her that her tooth is ready to come out and that it won't hurt anymore, once it's out. She's adamant that I not do anything, so I tell her that I just want to look at it to see if it's okay and, like so many parents before me, I lied. Yank! A few tears later and a few, "Mommy don't!"'s, the tooth is free from it's gummy prison. I take a round cotton swab and peroxide to the now small hole and she looks at herself in our bathroom mirror. She smiles. Another milestone hit and we discuss the how tos of teeth under pillows and tooth fairies. It was special.

Meanwhile, the youngest has stayed pretty doped up on Baby Tylenol this weekend, due to teething (another, more painful milestone). She leaks clear liquid more than a bad faucet and she's extra needy and winy, poor thing. She's also suffering from a spring cold and when she coughs...well, it's just too bad babies don't know how to cough productively. I'm glad mostly warm weather is here so that she doesn't have to deal with this again anytime soon (well, I'm hopeful she won't).

Besides this, we had a really great weekend as a family. Hubby was off and spent a lot of time with us, but I'm still greedy for more. He goes back into work tomorrow night and I'm just dreading it (but glad he's here with me today). He's currently watching a Goosebumps DVD with our daughter...oh, the bonding. We went shopping this weekend, too and enter our name into a drawing for some electronic goodies. Guess who's name was pulled first? Enchantress wins! I am now the proud owner of a widescreen, portable Memorex DVD player. Woohoo! Road trips will never be the same.

The Schedule Thing, Again

Hubby's schedule...it either makes me sad or pisses me off. I can't find a happy medium with either negative emotion. I guess that's sort of an oxymoron; happy, negative? Well, it just sucks. The graveyard thing throws everything off...family time, intimacy time, chat time, intimacy time, playtime with the kids, and did I mention intimacy time? What a joke! No one should be expected to work during the hours you sleep. Can't the prisoners just book themselves in? Where's the automation for his job, I ask you?

We talk, and it's the roommate thing again. His weekend off is this weekend, and he's got all this weird overtime scheduled. I don't even know when we'll see each other. My oldest is having a carnival at her school on Friday, so I guess I'll pass the time away by taking my girls there. Saturday? No plans. I'll probably do her hair. It's looking like cats fought in it, right about now. Time to put the braids back in.

Speaking of braids, I think I'm done with mine for the warm months. It feels like I'm wearing a dang shawl on my shoulders and I've cut it as much as I can, without it looking strange. I also don't want to have to wash braids everyday with the way I'm working out, now (see my other blog). So, mid-May was when I was going to get them redone. Now, I think I'll just get my perm/relaxer back and wear my ponies and such again for a while. It should be really healthy and long, seeing that I haven't had any sort of chemical on it for a year. I'm anxious to see it in it's relaxed state.

Other than my hubby's sucky schedule, things have calmed down a lot with me. The agency here reviewing us gave us gold stars galore and are on flights home by now. I've finished a huge document I was working on for our IT guys (redesigning a system...something I've never done before, but am having fun doing) and tonight is my daughter's year-end assessment with her teacher. I hope that goes well. She's had trouble keeping her numbers facing the right direction. She can do it, if prompted to but on the initial, she makes her 2's, 5's, 4's and sometimes 3's backwards. We're steadily working on it. All in all, I really can't complain (but I'll probably keep whining about the mate's shift till it changes (hopefully) in August).

I Love the 80's!

Yeah, I think I'm about to come across totally lame here, but I truly do. I find myself missing leg warmers, John Hughes movies of teen angst, the Smurfs, the material girl before marriage and kids...really, that whole Reagan period (okay, not Reagan so much but, you know what I mean). I get so nostalgic sometimes...longing for that time when the worse thing you saw on television were day-glow socks. I especially miss the cartoons (probably because I was a child during the 80's, that along with my current toy fixation, was what I did). Over the weekend, I found a tape with about 6 episodes of Jem and the Holograms. Remember them? My cousin and I would come home from school and watch it and Kids Incorporated. Crazy! I'd forgotten how enamored we were with these girls and how their lives were so important. Truly, it was the first time a cartoon was so like a soap opera.

So, I'm watching a couple of these episodes thinking, "What the heck are they wearing?" and "Why doesn't anyone just have one color of hair?" The stories were still compelling (even to a thirty-year old plus mom) and I wondered, "What has happened to the cartoons of old?" So much of what's on now I don't let my daughter watch, simply because it's just straight up garbage. If there's some substance and she's learning something, fine. (She watches a whole lot of PBS Kids and when we had cable/dish, Noggin and the Disney Channel). Granted, Jem wasn't breaking down any political barriers, but the stories were well told, had intrigue, and produced a lesson. The same could be said for even softer cartoons like Strawberry Shortcake and the Care Bears or harder ones like G.I. Joe and the Transformers (I watched those, too.) My hubby is a big fan of the Thundercats and can often be heard saying (when he's feeling really full of himself); "Thunder, Thunder, Thundercats...ho!" (Yeah, pretty comical)

My daughter watched a bit with me and seemed to get the stories, okay. She was really entranced by the music. Oh, the two-minute videos...priceless! The singing isn't horrible, either. I might grab these up for her once Sony gets it together and does a rerelease. Right now, the Rhino versions are the only ones out (out-of-print) and you can pay upwards of $100 for one season. Geesh!

I've purchased Punky Brewster (both seasons) for her and she loves them. Plus, they're wholesome and cute and it's a great tribute to girls and their individuality. If we'd let her, she'd watch Punky all day. Well, I want her to gain something, not fry her brain.

There must be enough of us (80's lovers) yelling for this stuff because, just from scanning the web, there are cult followings everywhere! Remakes have happened, already, with Strawberry Shortcake and (recently) I saw pictures of a new, revamped Holly Hobby. They are both trendier looking (not so dowdy).

I love the music of the 80's, too. AND, I actually remember when MTV played music videos all day and the videos were artistic or at least, creative. Okay, I'm going to stop now because I'm starting to feel really old. (lol)

...just for the heck of it - Tag, your it!

Q: What’s your main ringtone on your phone?A: It was "Prototype" by Outkast but, I changed phones and now all I have are the goofy, preprogrammed songs and no way to download others with the carrier I have. It's called Tumbao, whatever that means.
Q: Whose bed did you sleep in last night?A: The marriage bed, of course (alas, no husband was there with me.)
Q. Most recent movie that you watched?A: Aeon Flux
Q: Name 3 things that you have on you at all times?A: my cell phone, KL or White Diamonds perfume, my skin (lol)
Q: What’s the color of your bedsheets?A: Leopard print, but we change them out about every two months.
Q: How much cash do you have on you right now?A: like, $2. I never have cash on me.
Q: What is your favorite part of the chicken?A: breasts and legs
Q: What’s your favorite town/city?A: Oceaside, CA and ATL
Q: I can’t wait to (till)…?A: Work is over. I'm so bored today! Won't have much to do, until my meeting
Q: When was the last time you saw your mom?A: At 6.30 pm last night
Q: When was the last time you saw your dad?A: Mother's Day, 2005
Q: When was the last time you talked to them?A: My mother? This morning around 8ish. My dad? Who knows.
Q: What did you have for dinner last night?A: Slow cooker, BBQ Stew...ummm.
Q: How long have you been at your current job?A: a little over five
Q: Look to your left. What’s there?A: Two empty cubies. They look so lonely.
Q: Who is the last person you spent over $50 on?A: My daughter (summer clothes)
Q: What’s the last piece of clothing you borrowed from someone?A: My hubby. I wanted to actually wear clothes to bed last night, so I wore his tank top - "Everybody Loves Dees Nuts" Love it!
Q: What website(s) do you visit the most during the day?A: Yahoo, google, comcast, "Reload", "Maintainsane", "Bruthacode","humanity critic",(my work site), Netscape, and probably a host more that I haven't named.
Q: Do you have an air freshener in your car?A: Well, the carpet cleaner has a nice sent, but no air freshner these days (have to be careful what "scents" are around the kids.
Q: Do you have plants in your room?A: Uh, no. I have cats and they try to eat everything. I do have a beauitful bunch of roses on my kitchen table that hubby got me (pink with red accents).
Q: Does anything hurt on your body right now?A: My damn feet. These heels are killing me! We usually dress borderline pajamas at my work, so this is a bit uncomfortable.
Q:What city was your last taxi cab ride in?A: Huh! I've never been in a cab, believe that?!
Q: Do you own a camera phone?A: Nah. If I wanna take pictures, I'll use a real camera.
Q: What’s your favorite drink?A: I'm digging Bahama Mamas and, just recently, Hurricanes. Umm...they make me happy.
Q: Recent time you were really upset?A: My oldest makes me wanna snatch her up most days. Is a five year old supposed to be that devious?
Q: Have you been in love with anyone?A: I have and I am. Some days he pisses me the hell off but, I still love him dearly.

First of the Month, First of the Week

What I'm wearing - a pin striped suit (top and skirt) with 3 inch sandals
What I'm listening too, right now - The theme to "Foxy Brown" by Willie Hutch (I'm totally feeling "foxy")
What I'm eating - South Beach breakfast wrap (Denver omelet)
What I'm drinking - A thirty-two ounce mug of carb options tea (no calorie water/flavored)
Idea on my mind - Focus on the prize...you're going to be fabulous again before you know it!

So, Thursday afternoon, I went to the nail salon and got the hands done. It was definitely worth the $30 (tip and gel seal included) to get my hands looking good again. Hubby loves it and when I got home, he'd purchased a new ring for my lovely hands. What a sweetheart! I think it's a citrine. It's probably 7 or 8 carats...huge, and gorgeous. I ordered a mystic topaz from eBay that should also be stunning. I love jewelry; fake or real, it doesn't really matter to me. As long as it's beautiful.

After I got home from the nail appointment, we washed cars and got them looking spring-ready. It's amazing the crap that accumulates under one's car seats during the winter. Some items were totally unidentifiable. Ewww! I think we took the weather for granted because my girls were not doing well on Friday. They both had the sniffles and my oldest was coughing and wheezing like crazy. I finally had her sit in my bathroom with the shower on it's hottest setting (for the steam). She was instructed to take a lot of deep breaths. Afterwards, I gave her some proventil and had her rest on the couch. That made a huge difference in how she was feeling. Indy seemed to get over it just as fast as she got it. Wow, the difference in my kids...even in their health.

Saturday, I went grocery shopping for the week. My motivation had returned some and I was gearing up for doing my menus again. That way, there's no way to eat unless you cook. Aside from that, there are only healthy snacks. When my mother-in-law comes to visit, I have a feeling she's going to say, "Ya'll don't have any food," simply because we don't have the things normal people eat like chips, candy, cookies, and pig's feet. (Oh, those probably aren't normal to everyone)

Sunday, I got up and preped our meal for the day - a slow cooked barbecue stew. We went to church, came home (it's amazing how a crockpot can make your house smell so good) and I made breakfast. After which, we all took a nap. It was so nice to get a little extra sleep in. Most times, I try to get things done that I can't get done when the kids are awake. This time, I slept and I was grateful. Once we woke up, I finished preparing the dinner and we sat down to eat. Wonderful! That's one I'll be doing again.

Today, we're in the midst of being "reviewed" by a national agency (hence the pin-stripe suit and heals). My department's meeting is later this afternoon at 3:00. I'll probably get nervous at around 2:50...just before showtime...typical for me.

I hope to get on the elliptical or treadmill tonight. Truly, I don't like working out in the evening, but until Indy is sleeping all the way through, I really don't have a choice. Patience is a virtue, right?

Tagged by rn_buffon

I have don't one of these in a while, so, here goes: (thanks, rn-buffoon) :-)

sIx ThInGs YoU dOnT kNoW aBoUt Me

1. Hmmm. I share pretty much everything that is me on this site but, the fact that I like Barry Manilow and Tom Jones enough to download there music and burn a CD is probably something you don't know.

2. Maybe I've watched t.v. for too long but, I can feel when a television or radio comes on. It could be I'm sensitive to the waves in the air or something. But, I don't have to hear it. I can walk into a home where a t.v. could be on in another room where no one can hear it, and I'll know that it's on. Freaky, I know.

3. I would love to be in the entertainment field, but I fear what it does to people; the corruption, the detachment and the total disolvement of good moral fiber. Very few in the entertainment world can avoid all of this.

4. I've never participated in the use of recreational drugs, specificially weed. In fact, it was offered to me years after high school and college by some older ladies. Weird.

5. I'm envious of how beautiful my children are. I was never beautiful...cute yes, but not beautiful. They are intelligent and striking...their beauty will take them very far in this superficial existence we live in, but the brains will help them understand that there's so much more to having real happiness than that. They are both beautiful inside and out.

6. I'm a bit obsessed with superheroes. The best part about them is that real superheroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Although, I would mind being able to have super strength, use telekinesis or fly. (lol)

Have a great weekend!

Hot!Hot!Hot!

My hubby is looking too good...omigod! I can't even stand it! It's funny 'cause, I never really liked muscular guys when I was single. In fact, I liked 'em kinda lean and extremely tall. My hubby is neither, but I'm definitely warm for his form. Woo! He is too hot! He's down to his last twenty days before the competition and he's gearing up hard.

I remember the last time he trained for a show, about two weeks before, he had to avoid all sugars...all. I'm not just talking refined sugar (white sugar and sugar found in most non-perishable items and snacks), but natural sugar as well. Then, about two or three hours before the show, he adds the sugar back in. This makes him vascular and that's the part that's sort of freaky for me because all the veins sort of jump out at that point. A good thing for bodybuilding, I guess.

Anyway, I can see all of his six pack with no problem, his arms are huge (about 16 or 17 inches round), his back is massive and he's completely leaned out. At competition in 2000, he was carrying somewhere in the neighborhood of 7% bodyfat. Can you imagine? Crazy. He's probably close to that now. I'm really proud of him and my perspective on the sport has completely changed. On top of all that dedication he's putting forth, his mother is here (who he hasn't seen in about two years) so he's doubly focused. He wants her to come to his show. She's sort of old-fashioned...I wonder if she can handle a bunch of mostly naked men parading around the stage in competition gear (basically, a thong). She might pass out. For the record, this is an NGA competition, which means it is only for those who do not take 'roids. Everyone is drug tested before the show. My husband is an advocate of natural health and fitness, not the illusion of health and fitness due to drugs.

The Amazing/Unbelievable/Why Waste your Time Nail Fiasco

If you read one of my past posts, you'll see that I had a semi-day of beauty with my mother for her birthday. I had my nails done (active tips) and a pedicure. Well, I kept the nails because, not only were they gorgeous, but they were also totally manageable. They weren't so long that my typing speed was diminished or I couldn't pick up anything properly. They were great and hubby said they made my hands look so pretty (plus, I think the back scratches were extra nice). Anyway, I thought about keeping them up and getting a fill, but I couldn't arrange time to get back over there without the girls (I didn't want to subject them to the smell of those chemicals, especially the baby). So, I removed them and decided to do them over again myself, when the girls were asleep. Why not give myself a fill? Well, the nail tech used a solar seal and I don't have those so the fill wouldn't have matched.

So Monday night, I get to my favorite everything-you-ever-thought-you-needed-but-really-don't-for-cheap store which happens to carry tips, acrylic powder, liquid, wraps, clippers, top coat and files. I got all of my supplies, than realized I had two cuticle cream kits, so I put one back. That night after putting the girls to bed and fighting with my computer for two hours (never do a system restore...ugh!), I headed back upstairs to make my hands gorgeous again. I glued the tips onto my right-hand then..."Where's my acrylic powder? Dang it. I know I just had it." I began tearing up the house, running back and forth to the car...sure that it had rolled out of the bag and under the seat and, even though I had a flashlight and could see clear back into my trunk, surely I was just missing it. Ugh! Then I grab the receipt and account for my items...damn it! I put back the acrylic powder not the cuticle cream kit. So, I still had two cuticle cream kits (this at 11:30pm..."Ddoesn't the baby wake up in an hour or two for her nightly feeding?" Geeze). So, I ripped of the tips. Man, that hurts like a son of a beeatch! Can't keep 'em on, right? That would look too ghetto...like coming to work with half your braids done. Nah, uh. That's a negatory. So, off to work on Tuesday with shredded nail-hands.

Tuesday night, stopped at Big Lots to see if they have acrylic powder. They do! It's hidden behind about four file packs and some strange looking lipstick. Glad I saw it. Oh, and I need those "hold me in" underpants, since I don't have a waist yet. Oh, and I really need those cotton rounds, and baby soft for the babe, and TGI Friday's Hurricane mix in a bottle and cute faux pearl earrings (you gettin' the idea here?). I get home, get the kids situated, lay out all my stuff to do my nails again. I opened the container where the powder was, just to make sure; "What the hell? Nail fix powder...what's that?!" Obviously not acrylic powder. So, put the kids to bed, throw on some shorts and run to the grocery store. They only have those cheap-ass press-on nails at the grocery store and no longer carry the chemicals. What, you can carry bleach, pinesol and loads of other household products that could make a bomb, but no acrylic powder?! Morons. Oh! Well, Wally world's bound to have some. So, I headed over to Wal-mart and ran inside to see every person of the trailer variety rummaging around with their kids (who should be in bed, or at least, have their shoes on) looking for the next great thing to add to their cars...I mean trailers...I mean homes. Anyway, I get to the nail aisle and all the powders are included in these elaborate kits that cost too much. Don't they just sell the powder separately? Sure they do...with the liquid acrylic...which I already have. Shell out the $6.00 for both (Fie on you, Wal-mart!)

Head home and begin the process. Things are going well, even at 10:30 in the pm. Hubby is watching the House of Reps on t.v. Boring. "Why the hell are you watching this? Put in a movie or something. Geesh!" Eleven thirty in the post mortem, add the top coat and survey my beautiful hands. Not too shabby for wal-mart brand powder. I allow them to dry a bit longer, get ready for bed and go to sleep. Wake up. Survey hands in the evil light of day. "What the hell? What are all these bumps and stuff? Cheap-ass power...dammit!" Head over to wal-mart before school and buy "Nail Be Gone" for $1.83 and some tax. Get to work, fill a bowl and soak one hand while checking email. (this just gets better and better, doesn't it?) Soak other hand (first hand looks like a misshapen mess as the acrylic nails melt into globular knobs on the ends of my finger tips. so sad). Rush to the restroom to scrub hands furiously until knobs are in the sink wasting away down the drain. Pop on plastic press-on nails to save face in front of company at work.

Once home, I commence to biting of the press-on crap that looks so artificial and fake (even though the babe says, "Your nails look pretty, mommy"). Hands return to shredded-nail hands after about an hour of biting. I go and announce to my hubby, "Forget this crap. I'm getting them done." Waiting to hear from hubby when he can watch the girls, so that I can schedule an appointment...

Feeling like me, but not looking like me

I was digging around in my closet for spring-time clothes, gradually getting excited over all the cute stuff I have for this time of year that I love to wear. Then, I realized; my big butt won't be able to get a toe into many of these outfits for weeks. Weeks, I tell you! Ugh! I do not want to buy any clothes in a bigger size because my plan is not to be here for long. I've been working hard and things are happening, but not fast. Sadly, the work is slower because of holiday goodies. My resistance to things sweet has been pitiful of late so, in go the Cadbury candy eggs, jelly beans and chocolate bunnies. Not in excess, mind you, but enough to slow down progress. I've got to get my willpower back. When I have it, it's awesome! I can do anything! I rule the world! I gotta get that back, seriously.

I jogged a bit with my walk last night. I'm a little tender today, but not really sore (I'm sure that's coming). As I jogged (and sorry this is graphic but) the itching and burning of jiggling fat was almost unbearable! I could feel the exact places where too much was deposited: my hips, hamstrings, quads, calves, stomach, back, sides of arms and shoulders. Shoulders, no less! Who has fatty shoulders? Apparently, I do. Ewww! Oh, well. At least I'm doing something about it. I also know what happens and how I look (the final product). Look out halter tops! I'm coming back!

I've been amazed at my hubby's transformation. He's preparing for another bodybuilding show and looks good enough to eat. I didn't even know he could improve from where he was, but I see definition in spades all over. He's getting excited and I've asked him to let me know when he feels he's at his best so that I can take some photos...not just pictures, but kind of artsy. It's really a growing hobby and I've thought about investing money in a really good 35mm. Digitals are okay, but nothing looks as good as a picture developed from a negative. He's a great subject and takes commands well (hmm, what does that say about him?) My oldest is the same way. She takes amazing pictures. I even have a few of him that I want blown up to poster size and framed to put up somewhere in our home. I'm very proud of those pictures.

Nothing else really happening in my life...I'm just trying to get back to "me" as quickly as possible. We hope to get an air-conditioner installed in our home soon. It will bring up the value of our house and make my hubby so happy about not having to go up on the roof and service the swamp cooler. It will also thrill me because those dang things never seem to get cool enough for me. I know there's no humidity here, but it can still get damn hot. Swamp coolers...that's what we got out here in the dessert. They're really a pain in the butt, if you ask me but some people swear by them. I just hope we get the installation done before it gets really hot. This waiting on a friend of a friend to hook us up with a deal may get us into trouble. Hubby may have to get up on the roof in 90 degree heat and you know what they say, black attracts light (and heat). Oh, man!

Happy Anniversary to Me!

Whoa, looking at the last post I seemed pretty desperate and I surely was. All has been rectified (many times over, thank goodness!). Hubby was glad to oblige and I was glad to accept. Yesterday was our 8-year anniversary and the day was absolutely lovely, not because of anything we did, specifically, but from all the wonderful things my hubby conveyed all day. The inside of my anniversary card says this (the little blurb he wrote in):

"My heart, my soul, my life...
I give to you always because
they are meaningless without you."

He pretty much spouted out things like this all day. It was wonderful!

Last Thursday, I celebrated my mother's sixtieth birthday by taking her to the nail salon for a couple hours of pampering. At first, she was resistant to the idea but soon fell right into the groove of things. She loved it! A manicure and pedicure at the same time. Talk about pampering! Afterwards, we were supposed to go to dinner but she wanted to wait until Sunday (yesterday). So, we all went to dinner to celebrate her birthday and our anniversary. The lady picked Applebees as her restaruant of choice. She had the honey grilled salmon (so did hubby). I had the ever fattening beer-battered fish and about a bucket of strawberry lemonades.

The evening was capped off in romantic bliss. We've said that we'll renew our vows at the ten year mark (if we don't put each other out, first) and go on a real honeymoon. Also, it will be the wedding I didn't have...I've already started looking at dresses. Gotta get this baby weight off!

I Need It!

Okay, I'm going to try to keep this at a PG-13 rating but, sometimes I may slip up so bare with me.

So, what do I need exactly? I need to be pounded...hard and long for about three hours. I'm not sure why the horniness has hit me so hard (pun intended) lately but it has and it's making me crazy! I'm totally whoring myself around my husband who is totally digging it but really isn't around much (and when he is, he's either sleeping or making a mad dash to work). I hate the graveyard shift! Hate it! Hate it! Hate it! All I can hope for is that, if the need is still there, he'll be around to do something about it on his days off. Otherwise, I may have to rape a pole or something.

I think it's hormonal...yeah, I really seem to blame everything on hormones but I'm for real on this. I'm about two weeks out from my next TOM (Damn, didn't I just have it?!) and I'm ravenous for the chocolate again. I'm trying not to over do it, but I ended up buying one of those gigantic symphony bars the other day. I did, however, space it out over two days so, that's better than swallowing the whole thing down. I'm also killing the cocktails like there's no tomorrow and yep. I'm still working out through all of this (it's a good thing too, or my ass would be as round as a watermelon). Cocktails of choice (just in case you were wondering)? Bahama Mamas, Strawberry Margaritas, Strawberry Daiquiris, Rum and Cokes and Beach Breeazes. I think I've had at least one a night for the past four nights. So, I'm a raging choco/alchy/sex addict. It's sad, really. All of these appetites are insatiable! Hubby should be thrilled!

Hubby's thing is to "eat out" and I totally appreciate it, really I do. (Okay seriously, I really, really appreciate his talent in this area but sometimes, a girl just wants to be boned, you know what I mean? I'm not talking about a little rolling around, I'm talking about multiple positions top, bottom, upside down whatever for about an hour. Is that too much to ask for? We do the toys and stuff, but I much prefer him (when he's there). Otherwise it's like, "What's that for? You're here!" I've been thinking about the aspects of this that are so ironic. Normally, he's the one climbing the walls and begging like a little girl. Last night, I actually held up my strawberry whatever it was I had and said, "I drink because you won't screw me." He laughed...I just stared at him. I wonder if this is starting to frighten him? lol

The aggravating thing is that he called me, yesterday morning and said,
"Be naked when I get home. We can do it now, then when I get up at 2,we can do it again and then before work, we can do it again."

You're wish is my command, but do you think I got my three times? Hell no. I got 45 minutes in the morning and wishful thinking the rest of the day, hence the drinking comment above.

At any rate, if they could bottle whatever this is I'm dealing with up they'd make mad cash and I could live blissfully off the profits. Viagra would go down in history as a fluke and I would summer at the Hamptons or in a chalet in the south of France. Oh, to dream! Here's to everyone getting what they want, how they want it, when they want it and as often as they want it. I lift my glass of strawberry whatever to you!

Our Lunch Outing and other Musings

Yesterday was our lunch outing with our vendor from Colorado. She was here on separate business, but wanted to lunch with us to discuss current relations. We opted for Romano's Macaroni Grill, which I haven't been to in years. My last visit was for my mother's birthday and she was none too pleased with her birthday tribute. You see, they sing your birthday song to you in Italian; the men sing it for women and the lady singers sing the song to men. Well, the gentelman who was slated to sing to my mother went on break or something, so she got this awful girl who sounded like a strangled cat. I haven't been back since, not because of the singing per se, but more because of the attitude we all had after the experience. It was too bad because the food is really good.

During our lunch date, the waiter at this location had the I.Q. of a squirrel. I began my drink order by asking for a shirley temple. Now, most people in the restaruant business have a clue, but this guy looked at me like I was asking for the atomic weight of arsenic.

"Uh, I don' t know what that is."
(What the hell...it's freakin' 7-up and grenadine. What's the problem? )

"It's 7-up and grenadine. Sometimes, bartenders add cherries for presentation," I said, with my best smile.

"7-up?"
(Oh, good God, man. What is the problem?)

"Maybe they don't have Pepsi products here," my co-worker "C" said.

"We have Coke products," says our waiter.

So that I woudn't stress our waiter out anymore than I already had, I asked for a plain Sprite. Geesh! I wonder if I'd had the same sort of difficulty if I'd been there at night and asked for a cocktail of some sort. Yeah, I'll definitely ask for a table not in his area the next time I'm there.

After that bit of drama, our lunch went really well. We talked about work, we talked about our families, we talked a bit about everything. It was really nice. Afterwards, we came back to the office and wished for cots and blankets. Something about Italian food always makes me want to go to sleep. It's comfort food at it's best, I think.

Work ended and I headed up the road to meet hubby and the babe at her school for parent-teacher conference night. The reports were glowing and I knew that we had made the best decision for our babe. Her teacher says she's testing well and really bright. She made only one comment about behavior, but let us know that she's really trying to do better. I mentioned the "young" factor and she agreed that it plays into effect for kids.

"Did you know that a boy who has just turned five before the start of the school year is about nine months behind? That's for most boys and they recommend that they hold them off until the following year."

The fact that boys were behind wasn't surprising...the nine month part was what threw me for a loop. We ended with discussions of reading and phonics, number counting and her working on things at home (which we're doing and will continue to do). I was very pleased. I hope things continue on the positive front that they're on. Meanwhile, I'm starting to fret about the move my in-laws are making. They will be moving to a town about fifteen minutes north. This means that I will have to get everyone up earlier, in order to get the babe to their new house and me on my way to work on time. Ughh!

Our First Date

...well, since the baby was born, anyway. Hubby and I went out alone on Saturday night; dinner and a movie. It was so weird! My neighbor kept both girls. Then, hubby and I drove around for a bit, trying to figure out what we were going to get into. We decided on dinner at Red Lobster. I had the stuffed flounder, while he opted for the blackened catfish. Unfortunately, his was totally tasteless. I felt bad but, what can you do? It's pretty much not worth sending anything back these days. People can get downright nasty in the kitchen.

We both had Bahama Mamas, made with Captain morgan spiced rum. Yum! Then, we went to see V for Vendetta. It was much better than I thought it was going to be. I was ready to wait for its release on video, but I'm so glad I saw it on the big screen. I was not familiar with this super hero of DC Comics but it was a very intriguing story. It's dark, so I wouldn't recommend it to those who like the happier kind of comics.

After the movie, we hurried home to get the girls. A storm was coming in and the wind was blowing about 60 mph. It was crazy! Really warm winds, which indicate major precipitation. The next morning, our yard was covered...about 4 inches. Thankfully, the streets were clear. The day warmed up quickly so by lunchtime, the snow was gone.

Too bad Sunday wasn't as fun as Saturday. After church, hubby and I got into it and that pretty much ruined the day. Things aren't great today, but at least we're talking again. It's not even worth going into why we got into it because it was so stupid and petty. Oh, well. I can only hope our stubborn streaks reside enough for us to enjoy the rest of his time off (tonight). He goes back to work tomorrow night. I hate losing days with him on his days off. It's happened before.

I've been working from home today. I'm happy that it hasn't been too busy. We have a lunch date with one of our vendors tomorrow. I hope we go somewhere good or, at least, somewhere I can stay on my plan but still enjoy myself. Which reminds me; I've got to find time to work out today.

Hubby took the babe to see Curious George. I don't know why he didn't take her over the weekend or save it for next weekend. My hope is to always reward good behavior and I think it's always best to wait and see how she's going to do in school before promising a reward. I just don't want things to go back to the way they were. I hope she did well, today. He picked her up so, I didn't hear the daily report. Tomorrow is teacher conference day and I'm really praying we get a good report...I just don't think I can handle anymore bad news.

The baby had a fit, of sorts this afternoon. She cried for a half hour straight, after being fed and changed. Okay, so it was more like wailing. Holding her didn't even make her feel better. Finally, I put her in her swing and let her cry herself out. It worked! She's still swinging after an hour. I'm glad I found something to calm her bad addled nerves. She was so upset, poor thing. Now, she's sleeping...well, like a baby.

Indy's Second Well-Baby Visit

(For workout info, see my other blog. I'm trying to keep up with both. We'll see how long it lasts)

Indy's second visit to the doc went well, until she got a really clear view of him. I don't know what happened but, one minute she was smiling and laughing it up, the next minute (I shifted her to my right arm, so the doctor could look directly at her), she was screaming at the top of her lungs. Poor, baby. She was crying so hard that her entire face went red and blotchy. She was really upset. Once he finished examining her, I gave her loves and tried to calm her down. It took a good 6 or 7 minutes before she nestled in my arms and gave me the "sweet" eyes.

The nurse returned with 4 shots...four! Two pokes in each leg later, my little one was screaming and weepy again. This time, it took very little to calm her. Strange, huh? Well, she quickly went to sleep and slept the entire ride home, then slept at home for about 45 minutes. When she woke, her little head was warm so, I got to play mommy-nurse and gave her her first dose of tylenol ever. She seemed to like the sweet flavor and gave me a smile. That was at five. By eight, I knew the meds had worn off 'cause she was fussy and was favoring her legs. Ugh! If I only I could take them for her. The nurse said she'd probably not be herself for the next couple of days, but after that, she should be fine.

Next visit? Yep. Four more shots. I think I'll send dad, next time. lol

Beware of (too much) Chocolate!

Yesterday, I did something that I don't really (thank, God) make a habit of doing; I ate chocolate all day. It started in the early morn, when I had a piece from my secret stash in my office drawer. Then, I went downstairs to talk to coworkers who had a huge candy dish full of caramel chocolates. I grabbed three of those and an all chocolate kit kat, as well as a mini snickers and brought them back to my desk. I snarfed them down within thirty seconds. Then, I remembered I brought some Nestle treasures for my candy dish. Now, my candy dish has always been a source of personal triumph. I keep it full of goodies and resist the temptation of eating from it daily. Well, not yesterday. Four treasures later, I was looking for more chocolate. Granted, TOM is here but, that's just ridiculous!

So, by the time I got home, I was really feeling down...majorly depressed, down. So down, my husband couldn't even lift my spirits. It wasn't until today that I realized what happened. It's terrible! I can't believe I gorged like that...and it's so bad for you (and not exactly good for the goal I've set of ten pounds by Easter). Thankfully, I learned my lesson. I will not do that again. It sent my sugar levels all over the place, hence the depression, and the constant sugar had me wanting more when I got home. My body was actually begging for it. Actually, it was begging for the "happy feeling" the sugar was giving me...the false, happy feeling I should say. Thankfully, I didn't indulge. It wasn't because I didn't want to, it was simply because there is no sugar like that in my house. I'm glad otherwise, it just would have made things even worse.

My daughter didn't have a stellar day at school yesterday either. A little time in the power chair and she was grounded for the evening. She was so upset, but I reminded her that the time she has at home to do what she likes is an incentive to remain "kosher" at school. Do the right thing there, and you keep your privileges. Mess up, and it's lock-down time for you. I reiterated the point again this morning, on our way to my sister-in-law's house. I hope she remembers today...I really hate punishing her, but I know it's necessary.

Today was much better. I had a good breakfast and went to lunch with friends for a girlfriend's birthday. I had Lo Mein with tofu and water to drink. I'm so glad that I saw the light and didn't go overboard like yesterday. It's still flooring me that I did that!

Tonight is dance night, so I'll pick up the girls, swing home to get the babe dressed, then it's back out for the lesson. The other mommies wouldn't really talk to me before. I think they were scared or something (yes, my child is the only one in the entire dance school). I really wonder what these women are thinking..."Will that black lady who brings her child to dance try to rob me while we're here?" or "Oh, look at how they wear their hair. They must live in Ogden," or "I wonder if they have some sort of scholarship program here...maybe that's how her child was able to dance." Who the heck knows, but I just got the whole we're-too-snooty vibe for the longest. Then, after I had the baby, dad had to take the babe to class and sometimes grandma. By the time I was back to taking her, they were talking to me like we were all old friends. What the heck? At any rate, I'm glad they don't appear to be scared anymore. In fact, a couple of the moms and I really get along well! Stereotypes, I gotta tell yah. What a hinderance they can be!

This is what I call my busy night because I really don't get an opportunity to sit down and take it easy until close to 7:00, but it's definitley a sacrifice I'm willing to make. Lord help me if she ever takes an interest in anything else. I'm thinking the tween, preteen and teen years will have us wishing we had extra jobs. Kids, man...kids.

Spring is Roaring Like a Lion

We got several inches of snow on the first day of spring. It snowed and snowed and snowed. Then, at around 11ish, I took a look outside of my back window and could see the sidewalk around our "would be" porch. A couple of hours later, half of our yard was visible. By the end of the day, most of the snow (even the stuff that had been out there for a few days) had melted. They keep saying we'll have our 60 degree days again by Saturday, but I dunno. For the past few Sundays, we've gotten more than our share of the white stuff. Granted, it's the good kind of white stuff that melts quickly, but it's still more white stuff than I want in the middle (excuse me) latter part of March. Man, where did March go, anyway?

I need to walk on my treadmill. I need to do my toning tapes. I was shaking my fist in the air (I can't remember why, now. It was in excitement, not anger) and my forearm was jiggling. My forearm, dammit...ugh! What the heck is that about? Yeah, it's all about the weights...even if I'm just sitting on the bed talking to the baby or something. I can't take much more of this. Hubby's schedule is out of control and Indy is still so little and so needy, it's been hard finding the time. I'm proud of the fact that I am so motivated to get back at it because, Lord knows I could have cared less with my first rebound from pregnancy. This time, it's because I totally know what I'm missing.

Like sex (I know, TMI), when you're pregnant, your options become more and more limited the bigger you get. Then, when you get the green light from the doctor that everything is okay, your racing to get back to the "good" stuff cause you totally know what you were missing. It's very similar with my working out. True, I know how horrible it's going to be at first; the discomfort, the fighting with myself over whether or not I should work this day or that, the excuses, etc... but I know that when I get back to my groove, it will be so good! Things will start to tighten up, my mood will elevate, my energy will return and, who knows, I may even see some rendering of a waistline again. I'm really and truly ready. Hubby says tonight he'll watch the girls but then, what about dinner? I'm trying to make our meals every night again. It's so much healthier for everyone and we have leftovers for work meals and stuff. It was great last week and I don't want to loose my momentum. Ugh! It can't ever be easy, can it. Anything worthwhile never is, I guess.

As for everything else, Hubby still hasn't given me (or entered) his bank statements or his receipts. I've seen them, piling up into a huge mass on the kitchen counter but that's been the end result so far. He says he wants me to wake him one hour earlier tonight so that he can get the information in and we can start discussing a budget and how we want to consolidate. Meanwhile, I borrowed against my 403b to provide us with the cushioning they say you're suppose to have, in case of an emergency (something outside of the budget, but a definite need). The payments are totally reasonable and something I can handle myself after we consolidate everything else. It sounds like more debt, but it really isn't.

The babe went on her first field trip last week to a museum and her teacher told my brother-in-law that she did very well. I hope this continues because it's so hard grounding her all the time. I hope the "click" happens soon with her memory as well. I'll have to remember all of this when it's Indy's turn...five year olds can't remember a thing!

Now, what was I doing? Oh, work...work, that's right...work.

Yesterday, I saw Grass in my Backyard

Freaky weather is the other name March should have. We've had a whole gambit of it! A few weeks of 60 degree, near perfect weather turned into a blizzard almost overnight. Yesterday, before church, I let the dog out and could see the brown in are backyard becoming green again. I thought, "Hey, spring is near. Hallelujah!" Then, as if a switch had been flipped during service, we left the building to buckets and buckets of snow...I'm talking inches being dumped at a time within minutes. We ran to the car and as we sat inside, watched as snow quickly recovered my windows just as fast as hubby brushed the snow off. It was nuts!

It took us about 40 minutes to get home in white-out conditions. Both hubby and I were hoped up on coffee, so we kept on chatting and chatting, which made me more and more nervous (I didn't get a lot of sleep and neither did he, hence the coffee. Neither of us drinks it much.) Thank God we got home safely! After the conditions we had, it's no wonder we had this many accidents.

We've (hubby and I) have been working on constructing the family budget. Interestingly, I'm the one more focused about it and it was his idea. He keeps stalling on giving me the receipts and stuff...we'll, maybe not stalling. Maybe he's just afraid of what the computer is going to spit back at us, once it tallies up our monthly expenses. He may find that he only gets a $3.oo entertainment budget or something...who knows. I keep pestering him and he says he'll give me the remaining stuff today, since many of the checks he wrote last week will have cleared. We'll see. We've also been talking about our vacation this year, since I still have those freebee round-trip tickets I have to take before September. We're not sure what we want to do, but we know we're going to take the girls. Wow! Indy's first trip and she's not even a year!

Quality time is limited again and I can see it's having an effect on both of us. I'm glad his three days off are coming up but, it also depresses me a little because they always go so fast. I look forward to the time when we can nitch out days to be with each other that are not dependent on work or schedules. I guess we'll be retired by then...

School is going okay for the babe, but I think her new teacher has "stuff" she wants to talk to me and hubby about. On the babe's first day, she said that she would be calling us at the end of their term to discuss our babe's academic level. She would have to have her in class for a bit before she would be able to tell, which makes sense. I had to call Friday to find out about an upcoming field trip, but she wasn't available. When she called back, the babe answered the phone. When she handed me the receiver, her teacher was giggling a bit and she said something like the babe was a character or something (I didn't quite get what she said), but then she said, I'll schedule time to talk to you. Dang it! Why does it feel like going to the Principal's office, even when it's not you? Does that feeling ever go away? It seems so stupid to get apprehensive, but I am. We've been through so much with her. I just want things to be okay.

Back on the weight-loss band wagon...seriously! When I returned to work, everyone brought stuff for a pot-luck for me. Hard to watch what to eat when people have brought food in your honor. Then, I was asked to lunch with friends. I was good and didn't order anything crazy, but a lot of damage from the first day had already been done. I resided on working hard at watching things the remainder of the week. Over the weekend, I got organized and came up with a menu for this week (that worked well, the last time I was training/eating right). I'll try to keep this up, if I can. It's so much healthier for, not only me, but the babe as well. This way, I can also maintain her sugar levels so she's not going nuts and losing her mind.

The immediate goal is to try and loose ten pounds by Easter. It's a realistic goal, if I stick to my guns. Hubby is supposed to help with the kids, so that I'll have time to work out. I'm hopeful. I know how much of a difference just a few pounds makes on my short frame. I can't wait until I can get back into all of my clothes!

Back to work...Hormones in Balance

Today was my first day back to work (in the office). I worked from home, yesterday. Wow! I was just looking at the last post and so much has happened since then (especially a calming of the hormones and the disappearance of that pesky postpartum crap that interferes with rational thinking). Can you tell I'm not an emotional person?

So, here's what's up: Hubby and I have been working with our babe on her behavior issues and boy have things changed. I also figured out that the babe challenges people to whom she perceives as timid or not able to "hold their own". She knows she can walk over them...not that it's right, but it's definitely her desire to test her boundaries and see how far she can go. Anyway, she now owns up to her mistakes and issues and does a much better job of listening. Sadly, too much had occurred at her school that we had to move her to our own, neighborhood district (everything happens for a reason, everything happens for a reason, everything happens for a reason...). We had a student conference with the teacher on Wednesday, February 22nd. He let us know that she was on track, completely with her education (letters, numbers, words, math, etc...). Then, we discussed behavior and he told us that if she didn't have "perfect" behavior for the remaining week and a half, she would need to leave (the end of their term and, in their opinion, the best time to make a change). It was pretty final in his voice and the student-teacher was non-vocal most of the meeting.

I'm not one to throw down the race-card and hubby and I looked at all aspects of the situation before we came to this conclusion but, we felt that the student-teacher had pretty much washed her hands of our little one. And, she looked at me like she was terrified the entire time we sat there. We had only talked on the phone and, as I've sad, I speak the King's English. No ebonics here (okay, when I get mad or you know, when I've had too much to drink). She probably thought (after seeing my husband) that he was a big, black man that married a white woman...someone she could potentially deal with. Wrong, lady. Her male teacher (who is married, but totally in denial of his gayness) was trying to be as nice as possible, but we could tell that they wanted my little one gone. I believe now that it wasn't entirely due to behavior stuff (cause after observing some of the kids in her class, she wasn't exactly alone in her antics), but because their classroom was in high demand, over crowded and in need of spaces for kids already in the district. Hence, out with the old, in with the new.

So, after the meeting, hubby and I went to the school where the babe is zoned. The atmosphere was totally different immediately. I believe that the location (a military town) made the difference in how we felt. Upon first inspection, there were children of all colors which immediately put us at ease. They have an understanding of diversity and are, more likely, more accepting. Whatever it was, we felt better. We left with paperwork and turned it in completed a few days later. I then wrote a letter to the babe's school and let them know of her last day. Her daycare manager choked up on the phone...she was truly going to miss our girl. I felt good that she'd made a positive impression on them.

A bit panicked, but not as panicked as I was in my last post (damn those hormones), I began trying to figure out what to do. Then, I put it in God's hands cause, well, this was too big for me. The answer came in the form of an idea. I met with my boss for lunch and discussed the situation with him, just letting him now what was up (after all, she would starting 1/2 day kindergarten 30 miles away on the day I was to return to work). We brainstormed a bit, but didn't come up with anything. Then, I prayed again on the way home. Once there, I whipped out my computer and drafted a proposal; work from home Mondays and Fridays to help keep the momentum of the behavior progress going, while continuing my normal work schedule in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This would be for the duration of the school year (beginning of June). I had my hubby look at it and my mother proof it then, praying again, I sent it to my boss. He called Thursday night to say, "Without too much discussion, it was approved." Amen!

The last day for the babe was last Friday and we spent the weekend working on transitioning her into the new location (basically telling her about her new teacher and all the cool friends she was going to make). Monday, she was ready-like-Freddy and was so excited to tell me about her new school at the end of the day. I was so grateful. I keep praying that things will continue to go as well as they are.

Indy is cooing, smiling and laughing now. Her big sister is the one that can get her to laugh on cue. It's so special. Big sis has mellowed out a lot, I think, due to Indy being here. I sure do love my girls. More to come! (Still at work...no more time to type)

Behavior Issues

For the last couple of years, my eldest has had trouble with authority figures...not all of them, but many, specifically teachers. In her daycare/preschool class last year, she constantly challenged her teacher and made her teacher's life more frustrating everyday. We would try and work with the babe at home and things would get better for a day or so, but then would ultimately go back to the way things were. Back then, we were not consistent with our methods. This year, as a Kindergarten student, we weren't aware that there were issues with behavior until the day I got a call from the principal's office, a day after delivering Indy (January 11th). Talk about disheartening! She said the same things her preschool teacher said and that the problems had been occuring all year. My hubby and I were frustrated that no one told us anything and the principal indicated that they felt they had things under control, until then.

So, no we have these behavior contracts that we sign daily when the babe comes home from school. If there have been problems, they are indicated on the contract. Then, we discuss them with her and try to find out why she did them and work to correct it so that it doesn't happen again. We've been pretty consistent with talking to her and reminding her to behave herself, but the punishments have kind of been across the board.

Now, I should say that I never had authority figure troubles as a child. My issue was talking. I just couldn't shut up to save my life. I was always in trouble for talking. I definitley got my share of spankings, but I'm a better person because of it (and, I know how to use my compulsive talking now for "good" instead of "evil"). Anyway, dad believes in whipping out the belt, while I take the grounding route. Both have worked and failed in the past; however, we got another call from the principal today and I've decided things have to change (and they really have to because she will be asked to leave the school, permanently.She's on special transfer and this type of trouble is exactly what they don't want...I even signed a contract when school first started).

I was so upset after the call, I just cried and cried. Hubby was consoling me, but was also stern. We've been working to regain our spritiuality in our marriage and in our family and faith is a big issue for him. He believes mine is stronger, so when he saw it shaken, he was really concerned. Even though he had only been home from work an hour or so (no sleep), I asked him to ride with me into town. I knew I couldn't do it alone. Once there, we talked with the principal and tried to get through to the babe. I lost it again in front of her, and she kept apologizing, but those apologies really don't mean anything anymore. She seemed to sincerely "get it" but, that's how it always is. She gets it for a day, then it's back to the garbage. If she gets kicked out, we're in major trouble! She's in all day school and it's convenient for my work schedule and close enough to my office, where I can get to her. All that will be down the crapper if she keeps messing up.

Hubby told her she was in for it, when we got home. He spanked her and sent her to bed. I was fine with the punishment, but I also think she needs more discussions about the reasons why from us. I think I'll have to turn myself into a child psychologist, for the next two weeks, in hopes of getting through to her. It's just so frustrating! It seems like the more we try, the more we get knocked down. The devil is busy!

Well, hubby is asleep so, I typed him an email in case I forgot to tell him everything when he wakes up. It explains where my "head" was in all of this drama. I'm really hoping we can make major progress because, otherwise, I may have to change jobs. All this, and we may have to move out of state to boot! What should be a quiet and happy time, where I get to know my new daughter, my oldest is stirring it up. For now, all I can do is pray.

"Dear hubby,

You're asleep right now, so I don't want to wake you to tell you this and I'm afraid if I don't get this down now, I'll forget. Today was the day we went to visit "the babe's" principal at school. After getting her phone call, I was very upset and you were right. My faith was totally shaken. After we talked to her and came home, I had a chance to ponder things. I also did a bit of searching on the web (not psych sites, but Biblical sites) to try and understand what's happening with our first born (see the link below). Truly, we are not supposed to spare the rod and spankings are a necessity;however, I think they should also be explained and I'm not sure if we've done a good job at explaining to "the babe", why she is spanked (yes, spankings are for doing things you're not supposed to but, why spankings?). When she wakes up, I will tell her about these scriptures in the Bible. I will also impress upon her that spanking is only allowed by parents. Children are not allowed to spank or hit anyone.

I'm saddened by her behavior, but I am eager to try and make things better. Together, we will work with her to make the next two weeks the best two weeks she's ever had at school (behavior wise). I agree that moving her TV and DVD player downstairs is a good idea. I don't think she is ready for such a responsibility and allowance. I also think we should do what I suggested earlier and limit her t.v. time to just two hours per day (four on weekends). When she limits her t.v. watching, she does much better at school the following day. Meals together at the dinner table are also good because it gives us all an opportunity to talk. We can't really talk about our days or anything else for that matter, when we're eating in front of the t.v. You and I should also remind her of her two week probation period often. She really needs to understand what this behavior has brought upon her. d

Going back to my faith, I feel bad that I let all of this get to me. I believe I took everything very personally, thinking that somehow my parenting is what led "the babe" to her actions. You're right; I did my part but "the babe" made her own choices. The next two weeks are pivotal for me too in that I will be praying that much harder for her to become a better student and for me to become stronger in my faith.

I appreciate your being there with me today, despite being so tired and weary from your night's work. I'm so glad I had your support because, in my state of mind, I don't think I could have exprienced that alone. Her principal was kind and understanding, even though she had every right to rant and rave. I can only imagine how frustrating this is for all of the teachers. I am so blessed and fortunate to have you as my husband and friend...my support system through everything! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

For fear this is turning into a book, I will end but before I do, I want you to know that I think it's worth it...all of it...all of the heartache and disappointment...all of the joy and excitement. Everything involved in parenting, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Although Indy will probably have her share of issues as well, I am glad that I have a partner to work with me through all of them. Thank you again, my love.

Love,

"Enchantress"

Against the Books

It's been quite an adjustment, being the mother of a brand-new baby again. I thought I had a grip on a schedule and that was all blown to hell Monday night. In fact, for the past two nights, Indy has had a bath at 8, fed on a bottle directly after and stayed awake looking at me (getting diaper changes and two more bottles before finally crashing sometime after 11). She then gets up again at 2 and stays awake for an hour, then I have to get up by 5 to take the babe to my mother's house so that she can take her to school. That probably doesn't sound so terrible, but she was going to bed at 10, waking at 2 then again at 4 or 5. That was giving me 6 good hours of sleep. Arrghhh! Thankfully, hubby was home last night and was very supportive during all the turmoil. I did discover somethings last night that I hope will help in the nights to come.

She's been eating about 3 ounces ever two hours or so. Last night, I would have to get up and get another bottle because she would continue to fuss once the three ounces were gone. So, she's really eating about 4 ounces now. Then, I burp her and most times she gives me a good belch, but sometimes, I've got to beat her back for what seems like an eternity until the burp finally comes. Then, sometimes during the burping, she'll explode in her diaper again. It's just been loads of fun, can you tell? She also is not comfortable sleeping on her back (this is where the controversy comes in). Yes, yes. I know. I thoroughly practiced the "Back to Sleep" campaign with my first daughter with complete success. Indy doesn't do very well on her back (or so I discovered last night). She sacks right out on her side. I've got her supported, so that she won't turn, but I know every pediatrician and medical expert would say that I'm a bad mother.

So, I called my mother to get her advice. Years ago when she was a new mom, she placed me and my sister on our bellies (boy, have things changed!). The stats say that, even though this is a comfortable position for babies, it is this reason that may attribute to SIDS. They sleep so heavily that they may not wake up like they should. It's funny, for all the medical expertise, sometimes a mother's common sense and the trials she goes through may win out for the baby's best interest in the end, or so I feel. My mother said that with me, I was on formula for two weeks then the formula was supplemented with rice cereal after that. It was because of this and my happily full tummy that my mother said helped me to sleep through the night so quickly. Nowadays, doctor's don't start talking about solid foods until the fourth month (my mother actually gave my oldest a bit of rice when she was two months. It was Thanksgiving and she didn't want the baby to be jealous. After that, I kept it coming. Her teeth were pretty much in by her fourth month. I can even remember complete strangers commenting on how many teeth she had for so young). Food was introduced, so the body compensated.

I love this little girl to pieces, but it has been really frustrating the past couple of nights. Despite the "no, nos", I'm going to see how this goes. I hope it helps because I only have a few weeks left before she's in daycare. Granted, she'll establish a schedule there, but I'd love to have her going strong on a schedule in the evenings; however, I do understand that life will do whatever it's going to do.

I'll be popping onto this and my "Enchantress"site, now. Today is the first day of trying to be a hot mom again. Go check it out when you have a chance.