Brandon's Puppy

Goodbye analog

By now you've surely heard that all television stations in the U.S. will stop broadcasting in analog in February 2009. That gives us a little over a year to purchase the new TV we want, or at the very least the converter box. I'm hoping we can afford the TV though; I want a flat panel that can be put on the wall with an lcd mount. How cool would that look in my living room?! I guess it works out that we haven't bought an entertainment center yet.

Hodge Podge

Sorry, all. I’ve been super busy the last couple of days and I haven’t been able to post a thing. My workweek has been crazy!! My (former) coworker’s last day was Friday, and the office is not hiring a replacement. My supervisor and I have split the duties he tended to, and so I’m actually working at work now. (Sheesh…do these people think they pay me enough to actually work?!)

Here are a few thoughts until I get back into the swing of things:

The power outage? No biggie. I left work at 3pm just to be sure traffic wasn’t chaotic, but everything was normal: all the traffic signals I encountered were working, the expressway was a breeze to travel on, and I got home with plenty of time to take my walk to Brandon’s school. I didn’t walk as much as I wanted after picking him up because I also picked up my friend’s daughter, but I got 30 minutes in. Not bad, right?


I’m inspired to paint my living room. I know the color I want, and hubby agrees. Don’t know when we’ll get around to it, but I’m anxious to do so. WB and Sherlock may be coming down for hubby’s birthday, so I may just adopt her habit and frantically paint two days before their arrival.


Can I just say that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new washer and dryer?!


There's a cold front in town, and it was a lovely 50-some degrees this morning when I left for work. This (taken with my cellphone) is what the sky looked like as I drove in. Isn't it lovely?

Weird.

The power flickered in my building about 15 minutes ago. Hubby called me on the cell phone that he was without power at work. I received a text message from Claudia just now that power is out at her job, as well as her husband's job in Kendall, and she got word that it's out in Brickell too. And I just heard from another friend that Homestead and parts of Broward County are out too.
Something weird is going on...
Finally got some info from the internet though it's not much .

Begging for mercy

I've been adding no follow tags to my paid posts all morning, and it's taken me forever! I've been at it since around 10:30, while working of course!, and I just now got to the beginning of December. But I'm determined to finish up tonight so I can beg and plead the google gods to give me my PR back so I can get a few more bucks in with other paid advertising services. The good news: I received my last payment from PPP yesterday, so I'm throwing in the towel with them. I have a funny feeling they are the ones that started this entire PR mess...

Working on that Willpower

It seems I'm coming down with a cold, my throat has been achy all day and I've had bouts of stuffiness. But in spite of feeling icky, I stuck to the plan and started my "diet" today. I had my usual cup of coffee in the morning, a salad for lunch, a small piece of chicken breast with vegetables for dinner, and I walked for just under an hour after work. Let's see how long I can keep it up. I wasn't completely good today though, I had a hot chocolate in the afternoon to pep me up because I was nodding off at my desk (I stayed up last night to watch the Oscars and Jimmy Kimmel...I'm so old!). Not too bad, I think. It could have been worse, I could have run downstairs for ice cream or a candy bar. But I didn't, and that's a good thing.
I'm going to take a shower, take some Theraflu and head to bed. Have a good night!

Visiting the Dolphins and Whales

The Miami Seaquarium has their annual Florida residents special through the month of February: get a free annual pass with paid admission. Tere and family went two weekends ago, and her post reminded me about it, but I wasn't sure we'd be able to go before the month was over. But my sister was over yesterday, and coaxed me into going. She had a good argument: when we're bored on the weekends, we can take the boys and it will be free. So while hubby was home waiting for the washer and dryer to be delivered, we were having a grand ol' time visit the marine animals. It was Matty's first visit, and while he couldn't fully appreciate the park, he loved watching the seagulls fly by, and paid particular attention to some of the stunts during the Flipper show. Pictures will be on flickr a little later.
What did you do over the weekend?

They're here!

Aren't they pretty?!

I like-a Ikea!

We finally went to Ikea last night. I now understand what all the hype is about. Even though most of the furniture is not our style, with sleek and modern European designs, we did see a couple of things we like. We particularly fell in love with this desk and the accompanying hutch. As soon as we can we're going back for it.
The layout of the store is awesome, and the staff was super-friendly. And the prices...oh, the prices! We bought a wok, a wok spatula, two frying pans, a three-piece set of plastic cookware (spatula, spoon and fork-like thing), a 17-piece set of food storage containers, a plastic organizer bin thing for Brandon's art supplies and a baby blanket for an upcoming baby shower for under $41!
I read a case study on Ikea in one of my classes, and I have to say: their unique business strategy works! I think I've got a new favorite store. =)

WB, DON'T READ THIS!!!

Alright, peeps, here's the deal: WB's birthday is on March 7th, and I want to send her a little something. I know she appreciates fine spirits, maybe I should get her a membership to one of those wine clubs I've heard about. Or I can order her a gag gift of some sort, she loves that kinds of stuff. I know money would come in handy, but I really feel that's so impersonal. Do you have any suggestions?

60 55 things about me

WB did this the other day, and since my brain can't come up with any brilliant, thought-provoking posts on a Friday, here's my take on the questions:

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?
Not much. Since we cleaned the car last Saturday, the only things occupying the backseat are the boys' car seats. There is a small gift bag on the floor on the passenger's side for my new niece. That's it. Let's see how long it lasts.

2. When was the last time you threw up?
When I got the stomach bug a few months ago.

3. What’s your favorite curse word?
the F word and its variants.

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today?
Paul (coworker)
Claro
Matty/Brandon

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
Driving to work, listening to the Friday morning Bootie Mix.

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Picking up Brandon at school.

7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now?
Watching the last two nights of American Idol with hubby

8. Have you ever been to a strip club?
Yes

9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
"Brandon, play with your brother"

10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
depends on my mood.

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Coke

12. What are you wearing right now?
Brown polo, Jeans, brown flip flops

13. What was the last thing you ate?
Carvel ice cream cake

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
Not this week.

15. When was the last time you ran?
Ran? what's that?! LOL
I think it was at the boys' party two weekends ago.

16. What’s the last sporting event you watched?
Probably the last few minutes of the Super bowl

17. Who is the last person you emailed?
WB, telling her I'd be playing my turn at Scrabble from home.

18. Ever go camping?
Nope. I'm too high maintenance and too freaked out by creepy-crawlies for that!

19. Do you have a tan?
hell no. I DO NOT TAN. I burn, blister, peel back to white. (I stole WB's answer!)

20. Do you drink your soda from a straw?
Sometimes

21. What did your last IM say?
I dont' remember, it's been a while since I IM'ed.

22. Are you someone’s best friend?
I am.

23. What are you doing tomorrow?
Cleaning in the morning, taking the boys to a birthday party in the afternoon, recuperating at night.

24. Where is your mom right now?
Probably at her house.

25. Look to your left, what do you see?
The wall of my breakfast area/"office" space.

26. What color is your watch?
Silver/Stainless Steel

27. What do you think of when you think of Australia?
Kangaroos, The Great Barrier Reef, Finding Nemo

28. Would you consider plastic surgery?
If I weren't totally freaked about complications under the knife...sure!!

29. What is your birthstone?
Turqoise

30. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
Both, depends on how much time we have.

33.How many kids do you want?
I've got two. So far that's good, but who knows what the future holds. I'm not completely ruling out a third, but I'm not actively looking for it either.

34. Do you have a dog?
Nope, but we'd like to get one in a couple of years, when Matty is bigger.

35. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Angie

36. Have you met anyone famous?
A few Latin Singers, a few local newscasters.

37. Any plans today?
Make dinner, watch American Idol

38. How many states have you lived in?
One

39. Ever go to college?
Yes.

40. Where are you right now?
sitting at my desk at home.

41. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
Bills, bills, and more bills!

42. Last song listened to?
I don't remember.

43. Are you allergic to anything?
Dust mites, Estee Lauder products

44. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
My brown boots, flip flops

45. Are you jealous of anyone?
Not really

46. Is anyone jealous of you?
Not that I know of.

47. What time is it?
6:57pm. I really need to get off the computer and start dinner.

48. Do any of your friends have children?
Most of them

49. Do you eat healthy?
Sometimes

50. What do you usually do during the day?
Work. Don't have much of a choice with that one!

51. Do you hate anyone right now?
Not really

52. Do you use the word ‘hello’ daily?
what a stupid question (once again, stole WB's answer)

53. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
32

54. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
The water park that used to be in Ft. Lauderdale? Yes. The adventure parks throughout the country? No.

55. How did you get one of your scars?
The one on my knee: Tripping and falling down a flight of stairs at work a few years back. Thankfully that was the extent of my injuries.

Scary!!

An American Airlines jetliner is currently circling Miami International Airport to burn fuel for an emergency landing. Apparently the plan has some sort of malfunction and was diverted from West Palm Beach. Watch the video live here.

Happy 6th Anniversary...

to our friends Claudia and Ren. Has it really been six years already? Seems like just yesterday we were headed to Ren's new house for a "housewarming party". Yeah, right. Turns out Claudia and Ren surprised all of us and had their wedding right then and there!

Congratulations, you two. May you have many more years of wedded bliss!

Anxious to see McDreamy, McSteamy, and the rest of 'em!

They're back!! Well, sort of. Shonda Rhimes herself has posted on the Grey's Anatomy blog that new episodes begin in late April. I'm counting the days, people, Counting. The. Days.

Less money spent is always a good thing!

After the anxiety from the CDL exam, poor hubby had a dental appointment. He had five fillings done and is scheduled for more work and a wisdom tooth extraction in the coming weeks. What a way to "celebrate" passing the exam, huh? But, the good news is he was undercharged (hopefully they won't catch it during his next two appointments...dental work is too expensive anyway!). Oh, and somehow the DMV forgot to charge him for the test.
Hooray for not spending too much money yesterday!

Easier said than done?

I am determined to start my diet next week. Really, I am. I'm going grocery shopping this weekend and I'm be buying all the essentials to stay on track. I also plan on walking every day to pick up Brandon at school, and making it a point to go outdoors on the weekends (weather permitting). I could take the easy route and take diet pills, but I don't want to rely on something like that. I fear that once I get off them I'll gain the weight back, and then some. I really think minor lifestyle changes can help me reach my goal. It worked in 2004, after I had Brandon and wanted to lose a few pounds for my high school reunion. I'm sure I can do it again.
I just have to keep telling myself "I can do this, I can do this", and shut my eyes when I'm anywhere near the vecinity of sweets!

The Things Matty Does

I've been meaning to put a few recent milestones in Matty's baby book, but I just can't seem to find the time. You may be asking, "uh, if you have time to sit at the computer and write it out, why not write it in his book?". The answer is simple, really. I haven't logged anything in his baby book since I was still on maternity leave. Once I pull it out to write one little thing, I'll sit there and update everything that's missing, and I just haven't had time to do that. So I'm posting some things below the fold in order to remember his recent achievements. Maybe I'll have the book updated before he graduates from high school!

Points: Loves to point at birds,cars, planes, and other things that catch his interest.

Mimics: Will laugh if you laugh, stick out his tongue if you stick out your tongue, jumps, dances, etc. Oh yeah, and he mimics The Count on Sesame Street: One, Two, Three...

Understands many words and commands, including "dame eso" (give me that), "ven/vamos" (Come on, let's go), "Quieres mas?" (do you want more?), and knows who/what Mommy, Daddy, Brandon, Ita, Abuela, Abuelo, Titi, Tio, Tia, leche, papa (food), agua, bath, ball, and car are.

Claps, does "el pollito", "torticas", motion for "down" during Itsy Bitsy Spider, and claps when you say "YAY!"

Picks up a ball and throws it. Rolls a car or train on a flat surface. Puts objects in a box/container and takes them out again. Can find items that are "hidden" inside a container or under a blanket (object permanence).

Shakes head yes and no (mostly no. LOL)

Will hold spoon and tries to self-feed.

Monday, February 18- tooth #7 makes it's appearance (lateral incisor, upper left)

Tagged

Lukie tagged me with this meme, and then wb tagged me too, not realizing Lukie had already done so. I feel so loved!! =)

(x)Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
(x) Been to Mexico
(x) Been to Florida
(x) Been on a plane
(x) Been lost
( ) Been on the opposite side of the country
( ) Gone to Washington, DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
( ) Played cops and robber
( ) Recently colored with crayons (recent, to me, meaning within the last month)
( ) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only?
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t?
(x) Made prank phone calls (before caller ID)
( ) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
( ) Danced in the rain
(x) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
( ) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
(x) Blown bubbles
( )Gone ice-skating
( ) Been skinny dipping outdoors
(x) Gone to the movies

1. Any nickname? Mandy, Manders
2. Mother’s name? mom
3. Favorite drink? Frappucino
4. Tattoo? none
5. Body Piercing? ears
6. How much do you love your job? for the most part.
7. Birthplace? M.I.A.!!
8. Favorite vacation spot? NYC
9. Ever been to Africa ? Nope
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes
11. Ever been on TV? yes, when I was little I was part of a news report about my school, and a program they had started. I don't remember the exact details.
12. Ever steal any traffic sign? nope
13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? I've driven both
15. Favorite salad dressing? Ken's Steakhouse Honey Dijon dressing
16. Favorite pie? I'm not picky
17. Favorite number? 7, 22
18. Favorite movie? When Harry Met Sally
19. Favorite holiday? Christmas
20. Favorite dessert? see #16
21. Favorite food? see #16...do you sense a pattern with me when it comes to food?!
22. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
23. Favorite brand of body wash? Bath and Body Works stuff, but I haven't been able to afford it in a while so I use Suave Body Wash
24. Favorite toothpaste? Colgate Whitening Gel
25. Favorite smell? Freshly bathed children.
26. What do you do to relax? websurf, scrap, hang out on the couch

What, no 27?

28. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Raising a teen and pre-teen...ayayay!!
29. Furthest place you will send this message? it's the internet...it knows no bounds!!
30. Who will respond to this the fastest? Not sure
31. Favorite restaurant? Macaroni Grill, Chilis
32. Five people to tag: whoever wants to do it.

I didn't know that was there!!!

A couple of nights ago, hubby, the boys and I were driving around our neighborhood looking for houses for sale. No, not for us. A friend of mine wants to move to our community, and she asked us to let her know if we saw anything worthwhile. We saw several homes, and we even daydreamed about maybe upgrading in a few years (market and finances permitting). But I digress. We came across a playground on the east side of our community that we didn't know existed. It has two swing sets, one for babies and one for bigger kids, and a jungle gym thing. The main playground, which is the one we always go to, is huge but doesn't have swings, and that's my favorite. I told Brandon we would be taking a walk to this "new" park on Sunday. Needless to say he's counting the days.

Wish him luck!!-UPDATED

Right now, at this very moment, hubby is at the DMV taking his CDL exam. Please think happy thoughts for him.

Update: HE PASSED!!!
He missed 1 on the air brakes, and 10 on the general knowledge. AWESOME!!!!

I have a hard enough time tolerating the normal size toads that currently exist!!

But this? If I saw one, even the fossil, I'd have to be committed!!

castro Resigns Power

Sounds like big news, doesn't it? That's the first thing I heard this morning when my alarm clock went off. Thing is, I'm of the school of thought that he's been dead since his "temporary" resignation of power in July 2006. All the pictures and videos and letters posted in recent months are not very castro-like. Had he been alive, he would have invited cameras and reporters into his hospital room just to show how alive he is/was! Remember when he fell off a stage a few years back, broke a leg and an arm, and was back to giving his trademark never-ending speeches soon after?! The man is a media wh0re. And of course, assuming he is dead, nothing has changed in the last year and a half with his brother raulito in charge. So today's news does put a small little grin on my face, mostly because the Cuban government is that much closer to revealing the truth, but I won't be partying until the political prisoners are released from their inhumane cells, and all Cubans can walk the streets of that beautiful island without fear.

Brandonism

"Mommy, I love you to the sun, and the moon, and the stars and the clouds."

Who wouldn't melt hearing that?!

Invisible Moms

My friend Margi sent this to me a couple of weeks ago. I had been meaning to post it, but couldn't find the email. I was going through my inbox just now, saw it, and figured I should post it now before I forget where it is again. Enjoy!

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The Invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please." I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Carol , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my daughter to tell the friend she's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want her to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to her friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

The good thing about having to work today?

No traffic. I left home at 7:05 this morning. The Turnpike was practically empty. I dropped off Brandon at my mother-in-law's at 7:23, and backtracked a bit, about a mile or two, to drop off Matty. I left the sitter's house at 7:40, and got to work exactly at 8am. I haven't had a 20-minute (from the sitter's house) commute since I lived 5-1/2 miles from work!

Darn!

Last night we finally sat down to watch a couple of movies we recorded on the DVR, and realized we had set the cable box to the wrong channels. Instead of "The Ex", and "Live Free or Die Hard", the recordings consisted of Time-Life album offers and directbuy commercials. Needless to say we were quite disappointed. From here on out I'm double checking what hubby sets to pre-record. Yes, of course it was his fault. It's always their fault!

I know, I'm odd.

My friend wb has spent the last two days at the International Builder’s Show, and I have a question for her: Was there a display of hot tubs in the show? And if so, did you, Sherlock and RTY get in and stretch out inside? I always get a kick out of that kind of display, similar to that of people testing out mattresses. The sight of either one makes me giggle.

Brandonism

Matty received a Thomas Push N Go for his birthday, but we already have one that was passed down from his big brother. Brandon has been adamant about not returning it. This morning, while having his breakfast, he told me that the Thomases were not the same, but "similar".
Me: Why are they similar, baby?
B: Because the driver on the new one is skinnier.
Me: And do you know what similar means?
B: It's something that is a little bit the same.

How cute is that?!

Inanimate objects should not play hide and seek!

We wanted to set up our old computer in the boys' room, but our plans hit a snag. We had a bag full of stuff, from extension cords to CAT5e cables, but we've looked everywhere and can't find it. I remember putting it away when I decluttered the house before the baby's baptism, but where it is right now? I have no idea! I'm sure it will turn up eventually, but then I have to wait for hubby to be in a cooperative mood for the Honey-Do list again...

A Productive Day

We've had quite a busy and productive Saturday. This morning I headed to Key Biscayne to participate in a research study. In a nutshell, I got paid $75 to get in the water for 15 minutes. Not too shabby, right?
Once I got home, hubby and I decided to clean my car, a move inspired by the plan to install Matty's new car seat. After that was taken care of we headed out for a late lunch (hey wb, we went to Chipotle, and hubby loved it!), and went to look at new dryers. We did something not so great, yet so worthwhile: we purchased a new washer and dryer! We got such a good deal on the set we just couldn't pass it up (way cheaper than the prices seen above). With our income tax return on the way, we figure we can pay these babies off before the interest free financing expires in 18 months. And of course, there's the added bonus of getting the laundry done quicker and more efficiently, and the savings to our energy bill.
So yeah, it's been an expensive day, but quite rewarding.
What did you do today?

IT'S A GIRL!!!

Yes, you read right...I'm having a niece!! My cousin just had her ultrasound, Tyler is going to be a big brother to a little girl!!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!

A paid permanent vacation would be better...

The building I work in should be condemned! Really, I’m serious. The elevators don’t work, the air conditioning units are always breaking down, there’s only one ramp in and out of the parking garage, the walls are nasty and grungy, and the carpets are water-stained from the numerous floods coming out of the bathroom pipes.
Next week the management company that handles the leasing affairs of the building will be replacing some of the carpeting in our suite with VTC flooring. I think that’s just a band aid for a pretty big gash. It’s a shame, they won’t do what really needs to be done until cases of Mesothelioma (and who knows what else) start popping up, and the lawsuits begin. It’s sad, but true.
My point? I may be taking some unplanned vacation time. After all, I am "allergic" to work, and the flooring thing will probably make it worse!

Birthday Wishes

A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart. ~Author Unknown

I can think of no better description befitting my grandfather. Felicidades, Papito!

Words of Wisdom

Earlier today, my doctor pointed out a harsh reality: we never really stop worrying about our kids. It’s not just 18 years of dependency, but a lifetime. (Yes, I was aware of this before, but it’s even clearer when someone with grown children points it out). He called it "permanent dependency". At a time when your main concerns should be your fiber intake and what Medicare supplement carrier to choose, your kids are having kids themselves, and you’ve got a whole new set of things to worry about. But just like the worries multiply, so do the joys. I saw it in my mother’s eyes, as she watched me interact with my children on Sunday. She thinks I was too busy to notice, but I did. While her heart swelled with pride, mine did too, hoping I can do the same for my children as she’s done for me.

Help!-Updated

I'm doing a bit of tweaking on the site, and I need to remove the widget that appears on the top of the page when my posts are viewed through their specific link. I cannot find the tag for it anywhere in my templates. Does anyone have any idea how I can get rid of it?! create a link to my disclosure policy for my archival pages. I have the html code, I just don't know how to get it to show... I did it! YAY Me!!

Huh??

I just saw a post on Freecycle that someone wants a laptop computer desk. I don't quite understand what that is. Is not one's lap the "desk"?? Does that actually exist? Isn't that somewhat redundant?

It's not my imagination

I do need to lose weight. I just came back from my annual physical, and I weight 11 pounds more than I did last time I saw my doctor (December 2005). He says I should be somewhere between 150 and 160, and that means I need to lose minimum 13 pounds.
Other than that, all is well. He wants to keep an eye on my blood pressure since I have a history with preeclampsia, not to mention a family history of hypertension. Nothing to really worry about now, but I'm just under the borderline...We'll see how that goes. I guess if I can eat better and exercise, that will remedy both problems.

Happy Valentine's Day!

When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. ~Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally

(My all-time favorite quote, from my all-time favorite movie)

Have a lovely day, all!!

p.s. No picture of my loves for now, but I'll be taking one later this evening.

Sometimes you just have to go for it.

I’m so happy for my friend Cristy. Until recently, she was working as a night nurse and caring for an older man in a semi-coma. Not only was this job taking a toll on her family life and her schedule, but it was a bit depressing as well. She recently decided to find a new job, and now she’s working for a nursing home. I spoke with her earlier this week and she is so happy. The pay is better, she works during the day, and she doesn’t have to worry about filling out paper work every night since the facility uses assisted living software. Yet another fine example illustrating that no matter how scary it may seem, change is good.

It couldn't have been better!

The sky was a gorgeous blue, with small puffy clouds here and there. A light breeze would blow through every once in a while. It really was a perfect afternoon.
We left the house on time (if you know us, you know how shocking this is!) and went to pick up the cake, pastries, and ice at Publix. We arrived at the park a bit past 11, and the party was scheduled to start at noon. My friend K and her husband picked up the balloons for us, and arrived shortly after we did to help us prepare. With their help, and my sister's, we were done just in time. Brandon's face lit up when he saw the Thomas the Train bouncehouse we rented, and he wasn't sure what to do with himself when the trackless train arrived. Both were a huge success with all the kids. In fact, some of the kids only disembarked to change from one car to the other (Brandon included). Matty loved riding the train, and he'd giggle when the breeze would hit his face.
Just about everyone that RSVP'ed attended, and I think everyone had a great time. It really was perfect (except for that whole construction thing).

Pictures are now available on flickr.

Free Pancakes for a good cause

From Goodyblog, visit any IHOP today between 7am and 10pm, and get a free plate of pancakes. In return, IHOP requests a donation to the Children's Miracle Network.

I think we might be having pacakes for dinner tonight!

In need of a vacation

The party turned out awesome (more on that later) in spite of the park construction. The weather really was perfect, and everyone had a wonderful time. But after the stresses of planning and preparing, I’d give anything to take a vacation right now. My coworker owns a few units at different Condo Hotels throughout the state, and I’d love for us to just pick up and go away for a few days. Unfortunately neither one of us can take vacation right now, and we won’t mention the lack of funding for said trip. But it sure would be nice…

Useless

Too tired. Don't know why I came to work, mostly incoherent. More later.

Party Day!!

Got a bunch of stuff to do now, and we're leaving to set up in about two hours. The park looks terrible, but the playground and shelter are intact. I will take lots of pictures and share with y'all tonight. The local weather report said it will be a "perfect afternoon", with clear skies and the high at 77 degrees. Let's hope so.

I knew it!!

I knew I felt uneasy about the party for a reason. I just got a call from the park that the playground area is under construction and that they know it's short notice but they are trying to relocate me. I'm leaving work at 2 to see what we can figure out...

Sheesh, you would think that construction is scheduled and they would warn potential renters about it when they go to book the place!!!

2 days away

and it still feels like I have so much to do. I went to Party City last night and placed the order for the balloons. Today I brought all the things I need to prepare the loot bags during lunch. Tomorrow morning I'm headed to Costco to buy the rest of the food and drinks. Yes, I know, it seems like I have a plan and have everything under control, but I don't. I'm still anxious about arriving at the park early and getting everything set up before the guests arrive. I'm worried about the party rental people and if they will be there on time, if the equipment will be working properly, will it rain? I guess I'm just anxious to get the party started. I know the boys will have fun no matter what, and that's really all that matters. I just have to keep telling myself that so I don't go insane!

Wear it, or Live it?

My coworker is getting married in August and wants to get her husband a fancy shmancy watch as a wedding gift. She showed me a picture of the Rolex Daytona, and while it is absolutely stunning, if I had that kind of money to spend I’d use it to go on a trip. I think my hubby would enjoy that more than a watch. What about you, what would you do?

Inexplicable

The sitemeter is back. Thanks to CTG and Venomous Kate for their suggestions yesterday. I hadn't had a chance to check my settings last night, just grabbed the code and re-copied it, then rebuilt the site. I know I don't have it set to invisible because I don't have an upgraded account. Doesn't matter, it's back. Can you all see it okay?

The Baby Boom Continues!!

One of my BFF's, Angie, is expecting! After taking four pregnancy tests between last night and this morning (Can you say denial?! LOL) she went in for a blood test earlier today and it's confirmed. The baby is due October 14th. Big sister Emilie turns 5 on November 7th. I told her she timed it well, 4-5 years apart is perfect. Congratulations to my girl and her growing family!

Oh, and for those counting, that's the sixth mommy-to-be in as many months!

Scrunchy-Dress

There was an entire episode on Sex and the City about the faux pas of scrunchies. Scrunchies are considered so unhip that Carrie even lost her boyfriend Berger over it (well, not exactly, but that argument was the beginning of the end of their relationship). So I was appalled when I saw a picture of Sarah Jessica Parker during filming of the Sex and the City movie wearing a dress that can be confused for a giant scrunchy. Did Carrie lose some of her fashion sense in the last couple of years?

Great.

I have no idea when or how it happened, but I lost my sitemeter. Does anyone know how I can get it back, and how I can get it to continue counting where it was? I didn't change a thing in the templates...

You know you're getting old when...

you no longer enjoy blasting music in a car. I used to love riding in my best friend's "tricked out" Civic years ago. She had one of those raised rear spoilers, tinted windows, a stereo system with subwoofer speakers in the trunk, the whole deal. We'd drive to work together, and we'd blast music to and from work. These days when I come across a tricked out car on the street, I can't wait to drive away from it. The vibrations give me a headache. I just got to work, and had to take a Tylenol. Can you guess why I brought this up?

Here's the thing

While I like my new haircut, and several people have told me that it frames my face rather well, it seems to me that my second chin is more visible. To add insult to injury I purchased new jeans on Saturday and I'm not happy with the size I currently fit into. I've gained some of my pregnancy weight back, and while my body type lets me hide it well, I know it's there, so I've decided to lose some weight. I won't be on a strict diet or any major gym regimen, but I am going to be more careful about what I eat, and be more physically active. Yesterday we walked to the park with the boys, and while it wasn't major exercise (not jogging, or walking briskly), it felt good. So this week I will start walking to Brandon's school to pick him up in the afternoons. I may even let him ride his bike for a bit once we are back on our block, and I'll follow him around with the stroller. If I can get out there a minimum of 3 times a week, and eat a bit healthier, I'm sure I can lose a few pounds in no time.

What's really more important?!

After spending the morning getting a new 'do, I arrived home to Matty sleeping on top of his daddy and Brandon excited to see me. I decided to forego the things we had to do around the house and spend some quality time with my "three boys". We did go to the party supply store for some things for next weekend, but after that we came home and did fun stuff. Brandon rode his scooter outside while Eric fed Matty, and then we all sat in the living room together to watch Ratatouille. The housework will still be around, but these moments won't last forever. Sometimes the hustle and bustle makes us forget that, but occasions like these really make clear the meaning of the term life.

The Haircut

Before:

After:

(Photography by Brandon!!)

Belated Birthday Wishes

I feel terrible. I completely forgot that last Saturday was Penny's 2nd birthday. I've no one to blame but myself, but it should be noted that I have not yet put my new agenda in my purse. Normally I write all important dates on there and check it at least weekly. But since I've not yet filled it out for 2008, there's was nothing to check! But enough with the excuses, hope you had a wonderful birthday, niña linda! MUAH!!

Random Thoughts

I booked the bounce house and trackless train for the party next weekend. I can't wait to see Brandon's face when he sees them, especially the trackless train. And I'm sure Matty will love it too!

Speaking of parties, it's never too early to think about next year. I am considering skipping the party next year and taking the boys to Disney instead. I haven't told hubby yet, but I don't think he'll mind. ;-)

I was pleasantly surprised a couple of days ago when the automated payment for our car insurance hit our bank account and I noticed it decreased. It's a small amount, almost insignificant, but any reduction to our bills is good.

I'm cutting my hair tomorrow. Don't know how short, just that I'm cutting it. We'll see how short when I get to the salon. My aunt likes to chop off hair, so even if I only ask her for a trim, it will be shorter than I request. As long as it's below my ears, I really don't care.

Hubby finally got the nerve to book his CDL test appointment. We just reserved the 8:15 spot on February 20th. Please pray, cross your fingers, send good vibes his way, light candles...whatever positive energy you can spare so that he passes.

Topsy Turvy

As shocking as this may sound, I must tell you: I actually worked today! I'll let you compose yourselves from the shock...all better? Okay, then, I'll go on. I got several things accomplished between 2 and 4:30. But I did do plenty of slacking in the morning. My supervisor and I went to a preventive health fair around 10am, and didn't get back until 11:30am. I realize things were a bit backwards, and I really can't let that happen again. Who wants to be working so close to the end of the workday on a Friday?!

Change of Plans

There's nothing quite concrete yet, but it looks like we will be watching the Super Bowl at our house. Hubby is off tomorrow, so he can help me get the house ready for guests. Things to do include scrubbing the toilets and bathroom vanities, vacuuming the carpeted areas, and making sure we have enough snacks and drinks. Not as bad as my preparations for the Baptism a couple of weeks ago, but just as stressful since I was hoping to have a stress-free weekend.