1/31/06
Bye Bye Baby! Hello Kid!
Okay, so here are the multiple posts! Yesterday I spent all my extra time planning bridal showers and wedding ceremonies instead of blogging! Hey--the wedding is paying a bill for me so that takes priority over the blog! :)
Today I am home with my baby girl. Well, actually she is a true toddler now. I pulled a bad Mommy moment and forgot to schedule her 18 month well-child visit to the pediatrician so 3 months late, thats what we did this morning. Grace's stats: 27 lbs and 35 1/2 inches. The doc said she is ahead of herself in language skills and is doing perfect! Well, I didnt need to pay a co-pay to know that one! :) The good news is that the doc sees absolutely NO signs of Marfan's Syndrome (YEA!).
The only part of the visit I am struggling to grasp is the recommendation that I shop for a child training potty and let Grace start "exploring" it. I just dont think that I am ready to let my baby girl grow up.....potty training is the first real sign that she isnt a baby anymore. I dont want her to grow up! Cant I just have a baby girl forever and not have a "kid"?! I know this process is going to take at least a year since children go back and forth being interested in the process. The problem really lays with me not being ready for all this growing up stuff!!! But I will embrace it and let Grace lead the way to the potty. First step" a Babies R Us trip to purchase the "Royal Flush Potty" (it sings a song with every success----that is really what the box says!). Wish me luck on this adventure!
Today I am home with my baby girl. Well, actually she is a true toddler now. I pulled a bad Mommy moment and forgot to schedule her 18 month well-child visit to the pediatrician so 3 months late, thats what we did this morning. Grace's stats: 27 lbs and 35 1/2 inches. The doc said she is ahead of herself in language skills and is doing perfect! Well, I didnt need to pay a co-pay to know that one! :) The good news is that the doc sees absolutely NO signs of Marfan's Syndrome (YEA!).
The only part of the visit I am struggling to grasp is the recommendation that I shop for a child training potty and let Grace start "exploring" it. I just dont think that I am ready to let my baby girl grow up.....potty training is the first real sign that she isnt a baby anymore. I dont want her to grow up! Cant I just have a baby girl forever and not have a "kid"?! I know this process is going to take at least a year since children go back and forth being interested in the process. The problem really lays with me not being ready for all this growing up stuff!!! But I will embrace it and let Grace lead the way to the potty. First step" a Babies R Us trip to purchase the "Royal Flush Potty" (it sings a song with every success----that is really what the box says!). Wish me luck on this adventure!
1/30/06
Consider Yourself Warned!
My 2 co-event planners at the office are in Hawaii with the client. I am here in cubicle land all by myself for the entire week! Yes, I actually do have a little work to do but in general, its just another boring week. SO this is simply a warning to all that frequent my blog: be ready for posts several times a day! hehe..nothing better to do here so I need to fill my time with something! :)
This weekend was so wonderful. Really, I spend the entire weekend with my family. Bill and I took my dad to the winery. Layed in the Chardonnay vines for an hour or so, sipping wine and watching Grace chase the chickens and dog through the field. So relaxing. I am planning a wedding there in July so I did a little work while I was there but for the most part, just enjoyed the time with my family. Yesterday, Bill and I enlisted Dad's babysitting services and went to a movie. The last movie I saw in the theatres was "Wedding Crashers" so we were long overdue a good trip to Regal Cinemas! Saw "Walk The Line"; what a great movie. The kind that I will buy on DVD and could watch over and over again. None of the housework I planned on doing this weekend got done but oh well; a weekend with the family is so much better than dusting and organizing paperwork!
More later (remember...I warned you there would be multiple posts!)
This weekend was so wonderful. Really, I spend the entire weekend with my family. Bill and I took my dad to the winery. Layed in the Chardonnay vines for an hour or so, sipping wine and watching Grace chase the chickens and dog through the field. So relaxing. I am planning a wedding there in July so I did a little work while I was there but for the most part, just enjoyed the time with my family. Yesterday, Bill and I enlisted Dad's babysitting services and went to a movie. The last movie I saw in the theatres was "Wedding Crashers" so we were long overdue a good trip to Regal Cinemas! Saw "Walk The Line"; what a great movie. The kind that I will buy on DVD and could watch over and over again. None of the housework I planned on doing this weekend got done but oh well; a weekend with the family is so much better than dusting and organizing paperwork!
More later (remember...I warned you there would be multiple posts!)
1/27/06
Dreams of far-off lands prevent you from getting too entrenched in your daily regimen today. Your heart just isn't in the present moment when you feel restricted by your current obligations. Remember, you have the power to balance your future desires with the here and now. You will be more satisfied if you focus attention on both.
Wow---sometimes horoscopes are right on; this one sure is! Looks like I should start really focusing on those future desires. First, I will have to figure out what they are.
1. More time at home with my family
2. Better money management so that I can do all the things I want to do (full kitchen remodel, buy that Dodge Magnum, quit this dumb job, and take a real vacation with the hubby)
3. Make my Taste of Home Entertaining business very successful (maybe that can be a fulltime career for me instead of sitting in this cubicle!)
Dates
I have a date this weekend----with my husband! My mother and sister are both going out of town this weekend so my poor Dad is all by himself. He is dying to see Miss Gracie so he is coming over to babysit on Sunday so that Bill and I can see a movie (WHAT!? A movie? I havent seen one of those in months!). I think my Dad is just excited to play with Gracie so he can tell my mom that he had her undivided attention----it drives Marmee (yes, that is what my mother wants her grandchildren to call her!) crazy! So Gracie has a date with her Papa and I have a date with Bill this weekend. So excited.
On the job front, I picked up a side job to plan a wedding in July. Yes, I ADDED things to my life. I am crazy, yes I know. But, last night, I applied to 6 event positions. I started looking right before the holidays and just now things are picking up on the job list boards. Finally! Cross your fingers I can find a new position soon cause this one is so boring!!!
Have a good weekend all!
On the job front, I picked up a side job to plan a wedding in July. Yes, I ADDED things to my life. I am crazy, yes I know. But, last night, I applied to 6 event positions. I started looking right before the holidays and just now things are picking up on the job list boards. Finally! Cross your fingers I can find a new position soon cause this one is so boring!!!
Have a good weekend all!
TGIF!
| You Are an Appletini |
 Most of the time, you're a typical party girl / guy. But when you get super sauced, you really up your sex appeal. |
(Guess I should make some Appletinis this weekend, huh?!)
1/26/06
Grey, Grey, Go Away!
Grey hair at 26?! Not for me! I looked in the mirror this past weekend and saw grey hairs! I promptly called Allie to come over and fix my hair. She and Herbal Essences #60 hair dye worked a miracle last night! This morning, Afghani (day care provider---I LOVE HER!) noticed the new 'do. Her comment: "One baby will give you grey! But you are beautiful!". This morning was a little hectic getting out the door (Grace wanted to play with Jake-dog and watch Dora; she was not pleased when I put her coat and hat on to leave!) so Afghani's comment made me feel really good!
So where do all my greys come from? My mom didnt get greys until I was in high school. Grace hasnt even started preschool and I am going grey (its really just a few strands but thats enough for me!). Honestly, I think its stress---again, the Plight of the SuperMom returns. I run myself all over town to get everything done and my reward---grey hairs in my twenties!!! I just cant deal with it! Strech marks from pregnancy--bring 'em on; I see those as battle scars. Dark circles under my eye--proof that I am not getting enough sleep but that I have worked hard to make sure that things are done at work and around the house before resting; again, more battle scars. But grey hair! I refuse to accept them and so they hide under my Herbal Essence #60 hair dye! Take that greys!
I wonder how many greys I would get if Baby #2 ever comes one day? Hmmmm........(can you visualize Bill freaking out right now 'cause Baby #2 was mentioned?!?!?)
So where do all my greys come from? My mom didnt get greys until I was in high school. Grace hasnt even started preschool and I am going grey (its really just a few strands but thats enough for me!). Honestly, I think its stress---again, the Plight of the SuperMom returns. I run myself all over town to get everything done and my reward---grey hairs in my twenties!!! I just cant deal with it! Strech marks from pregnancy--bring 'em on; I see those as battle scars. Dark circles under my eye--proof that I am not getting enough sleep but that I have worked hard to make sure that things are done at work and around the house before resting; again, more battle scars. But grey hair! I refuse to accept them and so they hide under my Herbal Essence #60 hair dye! Take that greys!
I wonder how many greys I would get if Baby #2 ever comes one day? Hmmmm........(can you visualize Bill freaking out right now 'cause Baby #2 was mentioned?!?!?)
1/25/06
The Newlyweds Are Moving!
Today is just backed full of good news to share! My sister and her finace are going to be homeowners in March! They put a bid on a great townhouse in Bristow and the bid was accepted last night! So exciting for them. Their house is the middle house on the picture.
Galen Robert Hardy
Tom is a Daddy! Hannah and Tom welcomed Galen Robert Hardy on Saturday, January 22. 7lbs 11oz, 20 1/2 inches. He arrived just in time to see kickoff at the Steelers game! Now Gracie has another boy to add to her growing list of future boyfriends! HAHA! (No really Galen is more like a cousin to her but it is still really fun to tease Bill!)
Isnt he just adorable!?
1/24/06
Happy Birthday Ron!
Just wanted to take a moment to remember my father-in-law on his birthday. I never had the chance to meet him but through the stories I hear, Ron and I would have been great friends! So, here's to you Ron on your birthday! Bill, Jaime, and Grace love you!
The Plight of the SuperMom!
Well, it is official....I am a charter consultant with Taste of Home Entertaining! YEA! I am so excited and am literally counting the days until my first party; 98 days to go (thanks Carol!).
So now that I have added that to my life, my schedule is as full as it can get! Not only am I now a wife, mother, full time event planner, friend, and now I own my own business! HAHA---and I thought I had no down time a week ago!!! :)
The next few months should be pretty interesting as I get ready to launch this venture. Right now, my schedule allows me about 3 hours with Grace after work each night. In those 3 hours, we manage to prepare and eat dinner, play for a while, take a bath, usually have to do a load of laundry every night or so, and then its bedtime. By the time Bill and I sit down, its about 9 pm. And thats assuming that neither of us brings work home with us! I am going to have to set some office hours for TOHE, especially because I have several consultants on my team. Where am I going to find those hours you ask? No idea---but suggestions are welcome! :)
This, my friends, is the plight of the SuperMom! Not only can we raise our children, work fulltime out of the house, keep our houses in (decent) order, and be a good wife, we can also own our own business out of the house and look good doing it! Notice I didnt mention "time to ourselves" in there. Now, this past weekend, I definitely took a ton of time to myself and the girls (had GNO dinner on Saturday and then nails and shopping with Allison and Jenna on Sunday) but those weekends are rare. With all these different things going on now, looks like I need to get my family on a schedule at least during the week. HAHAHA---a schedule with a toddler---I make myself laugh sometimes!
Wish me luck on all this---I am going to need it!
So now that I have added that to my life, my schedule is as full as it can get! Not only am I now a wife, mother, full time event planner, friend, and now I own my own business! HAHA---and I thought I had no down time a week ago!!! :)
The next few months should be pretty interesting as I get ready to launch this venture. Right now, my schedule allows me about 3 hours with Grace after work each night. In those 3 hours, we manage to prepare and eat dinner, play for a while, take a bath, usually have to do a load of laundry every night or so, and then its bedtime. By the time Bill and I sit down, its about 9 pm. And thats assuming that neither of us brings work home with us! I am going to have to set some office hours for TOHE, especially because I have several consultants on my team. Where am I going to find those hours you ask? No idea---but suggestions are welcome! :)
This, my friends, is the plight of the SuperMom! Not only can we raise our children, work fulltime out of the house, keep our houses in (decent) order, and be a good wife, we can also own our own business out of the house and look good doing it! Notice I didnt mention "time to ourselves" in there. Now, this past weekend, I definitely took a ton of time to myself and the girls (had GNO dinner on Saturday and then nails and shopping with Allison and Jenna on Sunday) but those weekends are rare. With all these different things going on now, looks like I need to get my family on a schedule at least during the week. HAHAHA---a schedule with a toddler---I make myself laugh sometimes!
Wish me luck on all this---I am going to need it!
1/23/06
Cubicle Hell
Cubicles are the most horrific invention ever! A man must have started this stupid trend because a woman would never wanted to subject others to this!!! Obviously, I am at work today. The guy who sits in the cubicle right behind me chumps his food like a cow!!! All I can hear is him chumping on his food and licking his fingers! Seriously, its disgusting! Grace is a more polite eater than this guy! If it was just at lunchtime, I may be able to handle it but nope---he does this all day long. The worst is the peanuts. He is like a squirrel; constantly chomping on peanuts so loudly that you hear each and every crunchy on the nuts!!! And just wait until his soda is almost gone---he will tilt his head all the way back and slurp to be sure he got all the soda possible out of the can! AHHHHHHH---will it ever end?
1/20/06
GNO!
Stayed home from work today. Funny but I am busier when I am at home with Bill and Grace than I ever am in cubicle land! Which is my lame excuse for not posting until now. Sorry!
My biggest news this weekend was supposed to be the official beginning of my Taste of Home Entertaining adventure. I will post some new pics on that blog later on for all the enjoy (ehometeam.blogspot.com). But due to "technical difficulties", the launch date has been changed to Monday.
On a better note, tomorrow night is GNO----Girls Night Out! All the girls are leaving the husbands/fiances to fend for themselves at dinnertime and are going out together! A good GNO is exactly what we all need right now. There is so much going on with everyone, from weddings to houses to kids to jobs, etc, that we so rarely get to hang out. Even though this week has been one that I cannot wait to just delete from my mind (wouldnt it be great if memory was like a blog and you could just delete posts until they are all gone!!!), there has been a silver lining; some great bonding with women who I knew were my friends but that I discovered are more like me than I ever imagined! Looking forward to spending some time with them over good food and good wine!
Anyways, sorry for the extremely boring post tonight but thats all I got (oh yeah, and a new washing machine that is leaking all over the floor!). More tomorrow night after the GNO!
My biggest news this weekend was supposed to be the official beginning of my Taste of Home Entertaining adventure. I will post some new pics on that blog later on for all the enjoy (ehometeam.blogspot.com). But due to "technical difficulties", the launch date has been changed to Monday.
On a better note, tomorrow night is GNO----Girls Night Out! All the girls are leaving the husbands/fiances to fend for themselves at dinnertime and are going out together! A good GNO is exactly what we all need right now. There is so much going on with everyone, from weddings to houses to kids to jobs, etc, that we so rarely get to hang out. Even though this week has been one that I cannot wait to just delete from my mind (wouldnt it be great if memory was like a blog and you could just delete posts until they are all gone!!!), there has been a silver lining; some great bonding with women who I knew were my friends but that I discovered are more like me than I ever imagined! Looking forward to spending some time with them over good food and good wine!
Anyways, sorry for the extremely boring post tonight but thats all I got (oh yeah, and a new washing machine that is leaking all over the floor!). More tomorrow night after the GNO!
1/19/06
And The venture begins!
For the first time all week, there are more work-related emails in my Inbox than personal ones. Not that I mind the personal emails at all; at least I am entertained when I am sitting in cubicle-land! It was a pretty quiet day here.
Have a conference call tonight about Taste of Home Entertaining. Looks like corporate is ready to launch the company this weekend. Basically, all that means is I get my official consultant id numbers and can really start to train and build my team. Next milestone is May 1 when we can start parties. So far, I have 2 parties (thanks Carol!) booked for May so I am really excited about it all.
I have high hopes for this venture. Hopefully, I wont get too discouraged as the company gets off the ground. Being in at the beginning has fantastic benefits but they are really long term advantages. So lets hope I can stick with this long enough to see those advantages come to fruition!
In the meantime, calling all friends and family----catalogs will be at my house in late February to browse through. Make your wish list, book a party at your house so you can get the hostess benefits, sign up for your gift/bridal registry, and let's get new home decor stuff (the husbands won't mind---we will send them out on a boys night out!).
Have a conference call tonight about Taste of Home Entertaining. Looks like corporate is ready to launch the company this weekend. Basically, all that means is I get my official consultant id numbers and can really start to train and build my team. Next milestone is May 1 when we can start parties. So far, I have 2 parties (thanks Carol!) booked for May so I am really excited about it all.
I have high hopes for this venture. Hopefully, I wont get too discouraged as the company gets off the ground. Being in at the beginning has fantastic benefits but they are really long term advantages. So lets hope I can stick with this long enough to see those advantages come to fruition!
In the meantime, calling all friends and family----catalogs will be at my house in late February to browse through. Make your wish list, book a party at your house so you can get the hostess benefits, sign up for your gift/bridal registry, and let's get new home decor stuff (the husbands won't mind---we will send them out on a boys night out!).
1/18/06
Care Bear Stare!!!
 | Tenderheart Bear |
Something New and Something Old
I took a big step today---I went out to lunch with one of the girls in my office, alone! Most of you know that I HATE my job right now. 99% of my co-workers annoy me, the work is boring (when I have any!), and my boss is not exactly supportive of anything outside work. He actually told me once that he expected my work duties to be my first priority Monday - Friday and my family could come first on the weekends. ARE YOU INSANE!? Anyways, this post isnt about him!! I applied for a great job--a job that I was really hoping to get--and found out today that I did not get the offer. I am totally bummed out. So, I guess I am really stuck in this cubicle hell for a little while longer. If I am here, I should at least make the best of it so I am reaching out and trying to befriend people here. We had a good time. It was definitely a little awkward at first and I am not sure how much we have in common. At the very least, we both LOVE the Mandarin Chicken at Panda Express so thats a start!!!
Its only Wednesday but this week has been very enlightening for me. One of those pesky 2006 resolutions was to take care of my personal life. With a little help, I was able to look at my life (my friendships in particular) and really decide what it is that I need from a friend and what exactly I am able to give. Someone told me this week, "We are adults now and our adult friendships are supposed to provide enjoyment and support, not add drama to our lives". I couldn't say it better. Please dont think that I am saying that I am a perfect friend; I definitely make mistakes and I am the first one to admit that I hold myself back a lot. However, I do think that I am a good friend. My friends are part of my family and if they are hurting then I hurt, if they are happy then I am happy. Somewhere, and I am not sure exactly where, there is a line for me. Maybe its when I feel my family being attacked, or maybe its when I am persecuted for something not in my control, or when my emotional "bank" is overdrawn.
Two friends have asked for help this week in different ways, one angry and one simply said "I have this issue and just want you to know". Funny---I have a retail therapy session scheduled with one and am not sure where the other stands with me anymore. Maybe that old saying "Delivery is everything" actually is true.
So, as my resolution to take care of myself progresses, my life is moving forward and I am leaving some things. I will be sad as there are happy memories in every relationship and I will miss those things. But at the end of the day, we all have to take care of ourselves and our family. That is excatly what I am doing.
Its only Wednesday but this week has been very enlightening for me. One of those pesky 2006 resolutions was to take care of my personal life. With a little help, I was able to look at my life (my friendships in particular) and really decide what it is that I need from a friend and what exactly I am able to give. Someone told me this week, "We are adults now and our adult friendships are supposed to provide enjoyment and support, not add drama to our lives". I couldn't say it better. Please dont think that I am saying that I am a perfect friend; I definitely make mistakes and I am the first one to admit that I hold myself back a lot. However, I do think that I am a good friend. My friends are part of my family and if they are hurting then I hurt, if they are happy then I am happy. Somewhere, and I am not sure exactly where, there is a line for me. Maybe its when I feel my family being attacked, or maybe its when I am persecuted for something not in my control, or when my emotional "bank" is overdrawn.
Two friends have asked for help this week in different ways, one angry and one simply said "I have this issue and just want you to know". Funny---I have a retail therapy session scheduled with one and am not sure where the other stands with me anymore. Maybe that old saying "Delivery is everything" actually is true.
So, as my resolution to take care of myself progresses, my life is moving forward and I am leaving some things. I will be sad as there are happy memories in every relationship and I will miss those things. But at the end of the day, we all have to take care of ourselves and our family. That is excatly what I am doing.
1/17/06
Need a Laugh
Okay, I know that this is the 3rd post for today. 1) I am BORED at work and literally have nothing else to do right now. 2) Its been a very long day and I really cant handle any more drama. I am tired from being so pissed off that I needed to find something to laugh at so here it is...........my quote of the day...............((do you hear the drum roll?))....................................................
If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest, craziest, most dysfunctional family in the world, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair, you'll be going, 'you know, we're alright. We are dang near royalty.'
---Jeff Foxworthy
So, to my family members and my extended family members (friends, KDR, etc)......Welcome to the Kingdom of Dang Near Royalty!! :)
If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest, craziest, most dysfunctional family in the world, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair, you'll be going, 'you know, we're alright. We are dang near royalty.'
---Jeff Foxworthy
So, to my family members and my extended family members (friends, KDR, etc)......Welcome to the Kingdom of Dang Near Royalty!! :)
Double Stroller
Funny story for all-----While walking through Sears this weekend (we were there to buy a new washing machine--another long story), I found a double stroller parked in the baby section. Grace was sitting in her stroller, laughing, as I pushed the double stroller in the aisle. 
Bill lost ALL color in his face when he saw me with the stroller. Anyone who knows him can imagine the look he had on his face! HYSTERICAL!
Its amazing how much fear a little mention on Baby #2 can bring to a full grown man!!! ((ILY Babe!)
Bill lost ALL color in his face when he saw me with the stroller. Anyone who knows him can imagine the look he had on his face! HYSTERICAL!Its amazing how much fear a little mention on Baby #2 can bring to a full grown man!!! ((ILY Babe!)
Long Weekend
Grace and I got to spend some Mommy and Me time together on Monday since I was off work. She is definitely a toddler, with the Diva attitude to match. Someone told me that all 2 year old girls have a Princess-complex. Does it ever pass? Doubt it---I still have mine! LOL! She is also in a Mommy stage. Grace is "famous" for bring a Daddy's girl. She hangs with the boys watching football and jumps out of my arms whenever Daddy enters the room. Well lately she has been attached to me, literally at times. If I am more than 5 feet away, she is unhappy. Even if I am in the same room. Its really adorable and I have to say that it makes my heart melt everytime she runs across the room yelling "Mama! Mama! Mama!". She has even started to say "Love you"...well, almost. Its prett garbled but at least she is trying!
Long weekends are double edges swords for me. I cherish the extra time I get to spend with Grace, Bill, and doing things around the house. Watching "Dora the Explorer" before naptime and then flipping the channel to my guilty weekday pleasure of "People's Court" while she sleeps. Now that I am sitting at my desk in the office, I wish so badly to be at home with her, to be making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and playing with all the Little People toys spread throughout the family room. On the other hand, there were times this weekend that I was longing for my desk. Not because I dont enjoy being at home, but because I needed a break at times. I need some quiet time, some time for me. Having a 2 year old at home does not leave much me time. Sure, there is naptime but that is the time you have to spend cleaning up lunch, vacumning the house because the baby is scared of the noise, and taking a shower. And have you ever tried to reason with a 2 year old? DONT---I tried this weekend and we both ended up in tears! I have to say that lately I feel guilty when I am home for not working and guilty at work because I really want to be at home. The plight of the working mom, I guess.
Need time to collect my thoughts on a few things. Will post later.
Long weekends are double edges swords for me. I cherish the extra time I get to spend with Grace, Bill, and doing things around the house. Watching "Dora the Explorer" before naptime and then flipping the channel to my guilty weekday pleasure of "People's Court" while she sleeps. Now that I am sitting at my desk in the office, I wish so badly to be at home with her, to be making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and playing with all the Little People toys spread throughout the family room. On the other hand, there were times this weekend that I was longing for my desk. Not because I dont enjoy being at home, but because I needed a break at times. I need some quiet time, some time for me. Having a 2 year old at home does not leave much me time. Sure, there is naptime but that is the time you have to spend cleaning up lunch, vacumning the house because the baby is scared of the noise, and taking a shower. And have you ever tried to reason with a 2 year old? DONT---I tried this weekend and we both ended up in tears! I have to say that lately I feel guilty when I am home for not working and guilty at work because I really want to be at home. The plight of the working mom, I guess.
Need time to collect my thoughts on a few things. Will post later.
1/13/06
Just a Little Fun For Today!
So this is from another blog that I read all the time (www.wondermom.blogspot.com). Its fun so I am adding it to my site now!!
Four Jobs You’ve Had in Your Life:
1. Bartender
2. Retail Manager
3. Waitress
4. Butt wiper (I borrowed this answer from Kris @ WonderMom but that is a GREAT description for the jo of mothering a baby!)
Four Movies You Could Watch Over and Over:
1. American Pie (all 3 of them!)
2. Top Gun
3. Office Space (that is my life at the office! I even have a red stapler to remind me!)
4. Aladdin (sorry but I love it!)
Four Places You’ve Lived:
1. Childhood home with 2 siblings and my parents, Clifton, VA
2. In a tiny 2 bedroom apt with 3 roommates in college, Columbia SC
3. In a great apartment with a friend except that we had no elevator and lived on the top floor! Oakton, VA
4. And finally, in my husband's childhood home that is over 30 years old and in need of some major renovations! But its home! Herndon, VA
Four Websites You Visit Daily:
1. Google
2. CNN.com
3. Taste of Home Entertaining team site, www.hometeamsite.com/join/jbarnhart
4. My other blog, www.ehometeam.blogspot.com
Four TV Shows You Love To Watch:
1. House
2. Desperate Housewives
3. Law And Order (any of them....they are all great!)
4. CSI (Only the original and Miami...I HATE NY!)
Four of Your Favorite Foods:
1. Ice Cream
2. Flat Iron Steaks from Omaha Steaks (random I know but they are awesome!)
3. Brownies (preferably when they are still hot out of the oven!)
4. Bread with olive oil and pepper to dip
Four Albums You Can’t Live Without (at least for the moment):
1. Blue Collar COmedy Tour LIVE (Seriously, the funniest ever!)
2. Dora the Explorer Fiesta Songs (Grace loves it and if she is happy, then so am I!)
3. Anything from Jimmy Buffet
4. Les Miserables (I know---DORK! But I just saw the show again in DC for the 7th time and I love it!)
Four Places You’d Rather Be:
1. On the beach with a cabana boy bringing me pina coladas!
2. At home, right after the cleaning service people leave and no one else is home
3. At a great restaurant with the girls while Daddy has baby duty
4. On a road trip to anywhere with my husband
Four People Who Are Now Obligated To Do This to Their Blog:
1. Becky
2. Lina
3. Anyone else who wants to join in the fun!!!!!
Four Jobs You’ve Had in Your Life:
1. Bartender
2. Retail Manager
3. Waitress
4. Butt wiper (I borrowed this answer from Kris @ WonderMom but that is a GREAT description for the jo of mothering a baby!)
Four Movies You Could Watch Over and Over:
1. American Pie (all 3 of them!)
2. Top Gun
3. Office Space (that is my life at the office! I even have a red stapler to remind me!)
4. Aladdin (sorry but I love it!)
Four Places You’ve Lived:
1. Childhood home with 2 siblings and my parents, Clifton, VA
2. In a tiny 2 bedroom apt with 3 roommates in college, Columbia SC
3. In a great apartment with a friend except that we had no elevator and lived on the top floor! Oakton, VA
4. And finally, in my husband's childhood home that is over 30 years old and in need of some major renovations! But its home! Herndon, VA
Four Websites You Visit Daily:
1. Google
2. CNN.com
3. Taste of Home Entertaining team site, www.hometeamsite.com/join/jbarnhart
4. My other blog, www.ehometeam.blogspot.com
Four TV Shows You Love To Watch:
1. House
2. Desperate Housewives
3. Law And Order (any of them....they are all great!)
4. CSI (Only the original and Miami...I HATE NY!)
Four of Your Favorite Foods:
1. Ice Cream
2. Flat Iron Steaks from Omaha Steaks (random I know but they are awesome!)
3. Brownies (preferably when they are still hot out of the oven!)
4. Bread with olive oil and pepper to dip
Four Albums You Can’t Live Without (at least for the moment):
1. Blue Collar COmedy Tour LIVE (Seriously, the funniest ever!)
2. Dora the Explorer Fiesta Songs (Grace loves it and if she is happy, then so am I!)
3. Anything from Jimmy Buffet
4. Les Miserables (I know---DORK! But I just saw the show again in DC for the 7th time and I love it!)
Four Places You’d Rather Be:
1. On the beach with a cabana boy bringing me pina coladas!
2. At home, right after the cleaning service people leave and no one else is home
3. At a great restaurant with the girls while Daddy has baby duty
4. On a road trip to anywhere with my husband
Four People Who Are Now Obligated To Do This to Their Blog:
1. Becky
2. Lina
3. Anyone else who wants to join in the fun!!!!!
1/12/06
Blah Blah Blah--Boring Day!
I made my first real investment in my new career today! An ad will run tomorrow in the Washington Examiner for my Taste of Home Entertaining team. Pretty exciting! Everyone that I talked to on my team and other teams have had great response from newspaper ads so I am hoping for the same. It would be really nice to go into the launch date with a team of 5 or 6 consultants. I have been doing some very passive advertising lately and I already have a team of 3. Anyways, that was my progress today. I need to set up some financial records at home to keep track of these costs. Since no money will be coming in until May, I need to make sure that I stick to my "business budget" and keep track of all my expenses. Tax time will come at some point and I can write all that off!
Last night was hysterical! Gracie was eating her dinner in the family room (we were too exhausted to fight with her over the high chair at the table) and Bill and I were both laying on couches. As soon as Bill turned on CMT, Gracie started dancing her little heart out. She came over and pulled both of us off our lazy butts and made us dance with her holding hands. Wish I could have been a little bird looking in the family room window---what a funny sight to see! Again, those little moments are the best!
Honestly, today is one of the most boring days I have encountered in a long time. The hallways at work are quiet, no drama at home, and nothing that is really getting me all worked up (well I am excited about the new TOHE products but you will have to check out my other blog at www.ehometeam.blogspot.com to see those!).
Oh well....here's hoping to some excitement tonight! :)
Last night was hysterical! Gracie was eating her dinner in the family room (we were too exhausted to fight with her over the high chair at the table) and Bill and I were both laying on couches. As soon as Bill turned on CMT, Gracie started dancing her little heart out. She came over and pulled both of us off our lazy butts and made us dance with her holding hands. Wish I could have been a little bird looking in the family room window---what a funny sight to see! Again, those little moments are the best!
Honestly, today is one of the most boring days I have encountered in a long time. The hallways at work are quiet, no drama at home, and nothing that is really getting me all worked up (well I am excited about the new TOHE products but you will have to check out my other blog at www.ehometeam.blogspot.com to see those!).
Oh well....here's hoping to some excitement tonight! :)
1/11/06
PROGRESS!!!
I know that is only Jan 11 but.............for 11 whole days I have stuck to each one of my resolutions!! Usually, I last a week with resolutions but 2006 is proving to be successful already!
Last night Bill and I paid off a bunch of credit cards that have been sitting there for ages. Its so nice to pull up the online statements and see "$0.00" in the balance column. Doesnt happen often so I am enjoying it today. Sure, we decreased the bank balance in some accounts but in the long run, this was a great decision for us. Even made a double payment to Gracie's college fund.
Another couple came over last night for dinner and we had a great time. It was like an "at home double date". I made dinner and the other couple brought dessert. SO MUCH FUN. I am definitely still working on other aspects of my personal life in regards to home but I am making progress. Even Bill commented last night that my energy had skyrocketed recently around the house. There are things that we need to work on with "us" but my new found energy is helping! YEA!
As for the new career, I actually took a break from it last night. My team leader called to chat but that was all I did for TOHE once I got home from work. I am completely dedicated to the venture but am realizing that I need to set "home office hours" so that I dont burn myself or my family out and so that I can control the business.
So yesterday was a good day and today seems to be following as well. Kudos for me this week!
Last night Bill and I paid off a bunch of credit cards that have been sitting there for ages. Its so nice to pull up the online statements and see "$0.00" in the balance column. Doesnt happen often so I am enjoying it today. Sure, we decreased the bank balance in some accounts but in the long run, this was a great decision for us. Even made a double payment to Gracie's college fund.
Another couple came over last night for dinner and we had a great time. It was like an "at home double date". I made dinner and the other couple brought dessert. SO MUCH FUN. I am definitely still working on other aspects of my personal life in regards to home but I am making progress. Even Bill commented last night that my energy had skyrocketed recently around the house. There are things that we need to work on with "us" but my new found energy is helping! YEA!
As for the new career, I actually took a break from it last night. My team leader called to chat but that was all I did for TOHE once I got home from work. I am completely dedicated to the venture but am realizing that I need to set "home office hours" so that I dont burn myself or my family out and so that I can control the business.
So yesterday was a good day and today seems to be following as well. Kudos for me this week!
1/9/06
Am I A Believer?? Not So Sure!
So I am bored----again----at work. But Tarot.com is providing me with a TON of amusements. Not sure if I believe in all that (horoscopes, numerology, etc) but its fun regardless. Here are my results:
Your telephone number adds to 5. Adventure and change, this number is anything but stable. Expect the unexpected. Good for sales pitches. Also good for unconventional individuals and freedom loving travelers. Not so good for families. Lacks discipline and responsibility. Not good for people with eating disorders or dependencies of any kind.
The most solid and grounded of all addresses, this house inspires responsibility, inner strength, and dependability. The address breathes strength, conventionality, and moral values. Well suited for focused, career-oriented people and/or young families with children. Also inspires financial growth and a responsible approach to monetary matters. Not a good house for creative or unconventional people.Strengthen the positive influence of this address with: Muted, earthy colors. Heavy, robust furniture. Solid oaks and antiques. Heavy curtains (kept open). Wood floors.
Well, I guess I should stop using my cell phone for any family matters, huh?! At least it is good for sales pitches since that will be my number listed on Taste of Home Entertaining things. At least my house is stable and good for families. I really think its my mother in law's influence on the house that gives it the strength and moral values though! Muted, earthy colors---not me! We have vibrant colors on our walls. Heavy robust furniture---inherited pieces are pretty robust and heavy aren't they? Heavy curtains---I havent been able to commit to the heavy curtains. The house is so seperated in each room that I think heavy curtains would just close it off even more. We shall see on this one! Wood floors---Bill will be so glad that the wood floor investment was right! HAHAHAHA. Check on this one (for the main level anyways!). I guess we will have to see if any of this is right!
On a romantic astrology side of things. looks like Bill (Scorpio) and I (Aries) will have a pretty interesting relationship! 
You Aries can burn on the hot side and with a Scorpio you may have met your match. Passion is the common thread that intertwines you in this relationship. Your Scorpio partner's fire is deep, relentless and consuming. Meanwhile, your fire blazes brightly with sheer excitement and then tends to settle down as you recharge your batteries. Can your emotional and moody Scorpio mate keep up with your outward expression of enthusiasm and joy? Perhaps. But you’ll have to learn the virtue of solid commitment and understand the fact that you are in it for the long haul. You can teach your Scorpio how to have a more lighthearted attitude toward life. He or she can put you in touch with the power of your own passion. Together, you are intense and focused, and will need plenty of time to dive into the pools of intimacy and to explore the mysterious and pleasurable realms of love.
Okay, time to come back to Earth and get some work done. Oh look---its lunch time! HAHAHAHA.
1/8/06
What's Next!?
Have you ever noticed that everyone gets so excited about pulling out their Xmas decorations, they complain about the garlands and trees shedding needles as they put them in their homes, and then we complain some more when we take everything down a few weeks later?! I had my decorations up since the day after Thanksgiving so at least I got to enjoy them for awhile. Now that everything is piled in boxes in the middle of the kitchen, my house looks so bare!
Yesterday was a big day here in NoVA.....the Redskins won their Wild Card playoff game! We had a few friends over to watch the game in the newly arranged basement with the 56 inch HDTV. Made some nachos, ate some pizza, drank some beers. Great day for football. Anyways, in the last minute of the game, the Skins intercepted the ball. Bill got so excited that he jumped out of the basement recliner (there are 2 so you must designate which one you refer to!), hit the crappy foam ceiling tile (bent it in the process), landed in the chair again which promptly tipped backwards and Bill landed (still in the chair) underneath the FoosBall table!!! Hysterical!
I am actually sitting in the home office, ALONE! Its amazing----no one has bothered me for anything in an hou! Granted---I did tell them that I was working on Taste of Home E things (which I did) but it still amazes me. However, the fact that it is sooo quiet has me a little worried. Nothing good ever comes out of the silence of a 2 year old and her Daddy!!! :)
More later!
Yesterday was a big day here in NoVA.....the Redskins won their Wild Card playoff game! We had a few friends over to watch the game in the newly arranged basement with the 56 inch HDTV. Made some nachos, ate some pizza, drank some beers. Great day for football. Anyways, in the last minute of the game, the Skins intercepted the ball. Bill got so excited that he jumped out of the basement recliner (there are 2 so you must designate which one you refer to!), hit the crappy foam ceiling tile (bent it in the process), landed in the chair again which promptly tipped backwards and Bill landed (still in the chair) underneath the FoosBall table!!! Hysterical!
I am actually sitting in the home office, ALONE! Its amazing----no one has bothered me for anything in an hou! Granted---I did tell them that I was working on Taste of Home E things (which I did) but it still amazes me. However, the fact that it is sooo quiet has me a little worried. Nothing good ever comes out of the silence of a 2 year old and her Daddy!!! :)
More later!
1/6/06
115 days to go!
Resoultion # 2 is "Start a New Career". Well, I fully intend to stay in event planning since it is what I love to do. However, I have signed on for a new venture that will fulfill that resolution; Taste of Home Entertaining. Its a new party plan company specializing in cooking and home entertaining products. Check out the link on this page---it will take you to my blog all about the company. I post updates as soon as I get them from the corporate office. It has proved to be a great recruiting tool as well! The company launches for public enrollments in 2 weeks but we can't start parties until May 1---thats where the 115 days comes from.
Had a team conference call last night. Each time I "attend" a call. I just get so excited about it. Catalogs arrive in about a month---cant wait to see the products!!! I have one party definitely booked with a friend of mine. Next stop--Mom! I am going to have her host a party as well in May. Also thinking of having an "Open House" at my place to get my neighbors, etc involved.
But before all that, I have a ton of work to do. I really want to start it off right. I am working hard on recruiting consultants on my team with great success. Now, I am going to start focusing on the business side of it all. Need to figure out my accounting system, set up the office at home to handle all the information, and work out a system with Bill to allow me to work at home productively. Guess you have to take care of the boring parts before the fun can begin!!!! Regardless, I am so excited about it. Looks like at least ONE of my resolutions is starting to take shape!!!
1/5/06
No Hawaii for ME!
I am turning down a trip to Hawaii-----is that stupid or what!? A co-worker of mine is planning a meeting on the Big Island at the end of the month and needs another meeting planner to go with him for a week. While it would be great and the company would pay for the trip (airfare, meals at the meeting, and hotel room), I will be working the entire time and not be able to enjoy Hawaii. No laying on the beach during the day, no tours on the Island, no volcano climbing, etc. They dont pay for a rental car so its not like I can go out at night and explore on my own. And the limited things I would get to do I would have to spend the time with my co-worker, who I am not really that fond of these days! I would rather spend the time with my husband in our suburban house with nothing special on the calendar. At least I would like the person I was spending time with!
This, folks, is the downside to event planning. Yes, you get the chance to go to great places. However, the event planner spends at least 12 hours a day working the event while the attendees are laying on the beach and enjoying the surroundings! You work so much that all you ever really see is the hotel lobby and maybe the mile surrounding the hotel----you are just too exhausted to go any further than that!
Am I nuts or what?!!?! Gotta run to let the team know that I am not going on the trip!
This, folks, is the downside to event planning. Yes, you get the chance to go to great places. However, the event planner spends at least 12 hours a day working the event while the attendees are laying on the beach and enjoying the surroundings! You work so much that all you ever really see is the hotel lobby and maybe the mile surrounding the hotel----you are just too exhausted to go any further than that!
Am I nuts or what?!!?! Gotta run to let the team know that I am not going on the trip!
1/4/06
Its the little things that make such a difference. Last night, as with most nights on my way home from work, I needed to run a few errands. Half way home I realized that what I needed to do could be accomplished on the phone so instead, I went straight home. After 20 minutes or so of phone calls, B, G, and I all played together. B and I were chased through the house by the minchkin and then we cooked up some plastic hot dogs and bacon (my kind of dinner!). It was so nice to just forget all the crap going on and hang out with my little family. We laughed harder than we have in awhile! B and I talked about work stuff and about what is going on with his job (90 day review for the promotion is coming up and he has an opportunity to ask for a raise!). I talked to him about my stupid job that I still hate but am making it through. It seems that with almost no effort at all, I was able to make steps on 1 of my resolutions---taking care of my personal life by spending quality time with my family! Such a good looking family, aren't we?!!?
The only resolution I didnt act on yesterday was the budget! Instead of whipping something up for dinner at the house, I gave in and took a short trip to Taco Bell for B and I. Well---at least it was the cheapest fast food around! Its football season and we were both in the mood for some cheap fast food while watching the Orange Bowl. Go Penn State!!! I am sure we will do that same thing on Saturday for the Skin game! Its so exciting that they are in the playoffs; just need to hope this year turns out differently than 1999 when Tampa beat us! Well, this family will be wearing their Burgundy and Gold on Saturday in support! GO SKINS!
Guess I need to get back to work now. More later!
1/3/06
A New Year, A New Blog
As I do every year (even though I swear each year I wont do it again), I have made some resolutions!
- Stick to a budget
- Start a new career
- Take control of my personal life
Now that I have written them here, I am committed to them. Right? Right.
Every January I start these resolutions and never stick to them. This year is different---I know that sounds so cliche' but its true. I am not sure where I will be next year at this time if I don't really work at these 3 things.
- Sticking to a budget: We are living in a house that we cant afford the way we live right now. We both make okay money at our jobs but its so hard to keep up with all the bills for the house, the cars, the baby, and ourselves. I miss those days when we could just run to Target and get whatever we wanted. Now, its a battle of need vs want and robbing Peter to pay Paul most months. With a mortgage payment looming out there somewhere, we need to buckle down to figure it all out. I hate being poor but here we are. At least we have each other, right? God---I HATE that saying!
- Starting a new career: I hate my day job but the least I can do is try to see the silver lining. While I have been sitting here bored everyday, I ran across a great opportunity; Taste of Home Entertaining. Its a party plan company that is launching in May 2006. I signed up as a charter consultant and already have one member of my team!!! The preliminary goals are to earn some extra cash to pay off bills. Later on, it would be great if this could become a fulltime job for me. We shall have to wait and see. For now, its a fun way to earn some extra cash for my family. In the meantime, I am sending out resumes!
- Take control of my personal life: The two main things that I need to take care of is my marriage and my own self. B and I got married 2 years ago but we never got to be newlyweds like I always thought I would be. It sounds horrible but I really feel robbed of all that for a variety of reasons. B and I already act like the old married couple. I miss romance and being silly and going out on dates and all that. I miss it so much but can we get that back? With a house and jobs and a baby, do we have time for that stuff? Having a baby really does change everything---those Johnson and Johnson ads are right! I need to figure out what I want from myself and why I feel so disappointed in my life recently. I have a great life in general but I am not happy. I am too busy trying to prove that everything is perfect and that I am not bitter/mad/pissed off/miserable; I forget to take care of me.
So there it is. Now that my resolutions and reasons are posted, I am committed to them. The New Year is 3 days old and I need to get started. So I resolve that everyday this year, I will do at least one thing to accomplish each of those goals. Even baby steps are good, right?!
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