I have one day off before me and my bf leave for Virginia to spend some more time with his parents and his kids. Oh joy.
Don't get me wrong, I like his parents and his kids. But there is such a thing as too much time together. So I'm taking one for the team and sucking it up and all that for another round of being polite and yelling at the kids. Who I love. But, you know, they are kids and tend to climb on the furniture and put their feet on the table.
Not that I don't have my own bad habits, but I tend to do them in private. For instance, I just tore off some excess toenail. I know, gross. But no one was here to see me do it, so it's almost like it didn't even happen.
Today I am going to head to the gym, because I am home and my gym is two miles away and I am recommitted to getting back into shape. I can say that I didn't feel like I was going to bust out of my uniform on my last trip, and I'd like to keep that trend going. Flying does weird things to your body, like making you feel uncomfortably bloated for a few hours after you've landed, so it's good to have a little extra room in your uniform to accommodate it.
Heroically, I also plan on working out tomorrow morning before C and I fly to DC. I deserve a medal, I tell ya.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Erin thinks some people should answer their fucking phones if it's not TOO inconvenient.
On another note, I've managed to make it to the gym nine out of the past 13 days. GO ME.
I surely was quite lazy until about 2pm. I was going to spend the day doing NOTHING but instead I did laundry, went to the library (Got My Booky Wook by Russell Brand YAY!), emptied the dishwasher, ad dropped a trip, and triptraded with trip ads. And I went to the gym!
Now I am just trying to resist eating a smidge of a banana yuckycake. I think if I get really desperate I'll make a smoothie with the leftover berries in the fridge and maybe sprinkle in some crushed walnuts.
On another note, I've managed to make it to the gym nine out of the past 13 days. GO ME.
I surely was quite lazy until about 2pm. I was going to spend the day doing NOTHING but instead I did laundry, went to the library (Got My Booky Wook by Russell Brand YAY!), emptied the dishwasher, ad dropped a trip, and triptraded with trip ads. And I went to the gym!
Now I am just trying to resist eating a smidge of a banana yuckycake. I think if I get really desperate I'll make a smoothie with the leftover berries in the fridge and maybe sprinkle in some crushed walnuts.
Sometimes, I just don't know where to start.
I have a lot of stressors in my life, but doesn't everybody? Who doesn't worry about family, health, making ends meet? We all do.
I had a full house for the past five days and let me tell you, it was...well, I just don't really quite have the words.
Between dealing with my boyfriend's shellshocked kids (shuttled back and forth between two homes, different rules at each place, too much sugar, step-parents who all do things a little differently) and his parents (older, set in their ways, worrying about everything) it was alot to take.
My boyfriend had to work part of the time so it fell to me to entertain and feed everyone for two days. I never cooked, cleaned, or ran the dishwasher so much in my life. I never mediated so many arguments. It was exhausting.
It's not like I am a homemaker...although I do tend a house and grocery shop and cook, I also have a full time job. I am also not a mom, I was sort of thrust into that position, and the more I do it, the more confidence I gain. My boyfriend's children listen to me, even if they don't like it or agree with me, they do what I tell them to.
Its hard when you are an adult with as many responsibilities as I have when someone else's parents question your abilities or second guess you. But I am not a child. I've had adult responsibilities for quite some time and I actually know what I am doing (surprisingly, but its true, I really do). It's hard to bite your tongue when your SO's mom might be a little rude, probably not on purpose, but just says outrageous things that you don't really know how to answer, like when my boyfriend's mom wanted to know how much a cleaning service costs in this area - it leaves me with a few thoughts: are you implying that my house is dirty? (it is not, btw, it was pretty spotless and uncluttered although the vaccuum needs to be run due to five days of people trampling through the house) Surely she must have asked out of genuine curiosity, right? I should have called her on it.
She had a number of other things to say, involving my boyfriend's impending divorce, about the cost...and I say, if you were really that worried about the price, maybe you should offer him some financial help?
Nevermind, the fact is, I am assertive enough to handle this crap even if it does piss me off. I've got a lot going on in my life, so if she thinks SHE has a lot to worry about, perhaps we should switch places for a bit and then maybe she'd STFU. I am sure she has a lot going on too, and I don't meant to be unsympathetic, there are health problems she has to deal with, etc., and retirement and a fixed income...again, I know no one's life is perfect, but being a worrywart doesn't improve the situation or help out at all.
There's a lot to be said about having a positive attitude and looking on the bright side, searching for the opportunity amid the rubble. Life can be difficult, but you have to make it work. You cannot ever just give up, because time just keeps moving forward and if you don't learn to cope, you get left behind. Worrying about shit that has little chance of occurring is unproductive. There's a difference between having a longterm outlook with plans for various outcomes in place and worrying about getting into an accident on a freeway out of state. I prefer to concentrate on reality.
ANYWAY, I need a nap. A long one.
I have a lot of stressors in my life, but doesn't everybody? Who doesn't worry about family, health, making ends meet? We all do.
I had a full house for the past five days and let me tell you, it was...well, I just don't really quite have the words.
Between dealing with my boyfriend's shellshocked kids (shuttled back and forth between two homes, different rules at each place, too much sugar, step-parents who all do things a little differently) and his parents (older, set in their ways, worrying about everything) it was alot to take.
My boyfriend had to work part of the time so it fell to me to entertain and feed everyone for two days. I never cooked, cleaned, or ran the dishwasher so much in my life. I never mediated so many arguments. It was exhausting.
It's not like I am a homemaker...although I do tend a house and grocery shop and cook, I also have a full time job. I am also not a mom, I was sort of thrust into that position, and the more I do it, the more confidence I gain. My boyfriend's children listen to me, even if they don't like it or agree with me, they do what I tell them to.
Its hard when you are an adult with as many responsibilities as I have when someone else's parents question your abilities or second guess you. But I am not a child. I've had adult responsibilities for quite some time and I actually know what I am doing (surprisingly, but its true, I really do). It's hard to bite your tongue when your SO's mom might be a little rude, probably not on purpose, but just says outrageous things that you don't really know how to answer, like when my boyfriend's mom wanted to know how much a cleaning service costs in this area - it leaves me with a few thoughts: are you implying that my house is dirty? (it is not, btw, it was pretty spotless and uncluttered although the vaccuum needs to be run due to five days of people trampling through the house) Surely she must have asked out of genuine curiosity, right? I should have called her on it.
She had a number of other things to say, involving my boyfriend's impending divorce, about the cost...and I say, if you were really that worried about the price, maybe you should offer him some financial help?
Nevermind, the fact is, I am assertive enough to handle this crap even if it does piss me off. I've got a lot going on in my life, so if she thinks SHE has a lot to worry about, perhaps we should switch places for a bit and then maybe she'd STFU. I am sure she has a lot going on too, and I don't meant to be unsympathetic, there are health problems she has to deal with, etc., and retirement and a fixed income...again, I know no one's life is perfect, but being a worrywart doesn't improve the situation or help out at all.
There's a lot to be said about having a positive attitude and looking on the bright side, searching for the opportunity amid the rubble. Life can be difficult, but you have to make it work. You cannot ever just give up, because time just keeps moving forward and if you don't learn to cope, you get left behind. Worrying about shit that has little chance of occurring is unproductive. There's a difference between having a longterm outlook with plans for various outcomes in place and worrying about getting into an accident on a freeway out of state. I prefer to concentrate on reality.
ANYWAY, I need a nap. A long one.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Working Together? Not Today, Apparently
I spoke to someone I swore I would never speak to today. I was sort of coerced into it through no fault of my own but still there it is.
I work with a pretty nice group of people most of the time, but occasionally there are people that I just cannot stand and will do just about anything to avoid if at all possible.
Now, I feel I haven’t done anything wrong, and in fact have been doing it all month - I commute back and forth from where I live to another city where I work out of and every day the flight I work gets in early which enables me to take an earlier flight home. Today I walked up to the gate 25 minutes prior to the pushback of the flight and the gate agent had unseated me.
I commute on a flight that is known for the amount of commuters on it, and in fact there were at least 20 of us listed. I usually walk up (or run, depending on how much time I have) a few minutes after the flight starts boarding, get my boarding pass, and then find my seat.
Today, however, newbie gate agents must have been working my flight, because they unseated me 25 minutes prior to push, ten minutes after boarding started, which makes no sense because normally they don’t even clear non-revs until a few minutes prior to closing the flight. They must have wanted to push early (which is great, don’t get me wrong, I love getting in early) but…One of the tenets of my company is “working together” so things like this don’t happen to our fellow employees. It is reasonable to assume that ten minutes prior to the push I could conceivably lose my seat if there were a lot of people standing by but there were plenty of seats and NO REASON to unseat me, even if they had been calling my name.
Where was I, the two agents wanted to know.
Oh, gee, I was busy deplaning a flight. So much for working together, eh?
Then one of them had the nerve to tell me to calm down. SERIOUSLY? This just pissed me off more.
So, of course, as I got on board, I had a lot of co-workers commuting home with me and I began to bitch to my co-workers, including this one woman I can’t fucking stand and vowed to never talk to, so help me God, about getting unseated with 25 minutes left til pushback.
Now, this woman who I can’t stand is the worst complainer I know, always thinks she knows more than the bean-counters who run my company, and also has eyes that move independently of one another, just like that crazy looking lizard. It is unnerving and all I can focus on generally when I am forced to listen to her bitch. Meanwhile, my company has made it through the past two recessions and we are both still employed so I don’t know why she complains so much.
Anyway, I know things are rarely as they seem, which I am learning more and more the older I get. I try to employ this mantra frequently. I am the type of person who will board early or push early to help people, including gate agents, out. I try to be cooperative and if I am upset or put out by something I try to explain my reasons in a non-judgmental manner (I don’t always succeed with this and there are definitely situations where I just can’t and won’t) but bottom line is, a little sympathy hurts no one.
So when I walk up to the gate and am greeted with an accusatory I just unseated you and WHERE WERE YOU?? Its not really going to leave me in a positive mood and then telling me to calm down really doesn’t help. Neither sentences are good customer service, and make no mistake, I am definitely a customer. And I am a co-worker. I could have been treated a little better.
I work with a pretty nice group of people most of the time, but occasionally there are people that I just cannot stand and will do just about anything to avoid if at all possible.
Now, I feel I haven’t done anything wrong, and in fact have been doing it all month - I commute back and forth from where I live to another city where I work out of and every day the flight I work gets in early which enables me to take an earlier flight home. Today I walked up to the gate 25 minutes prior to the pushback of the flight and the gate agent had unseated me.
I commute on a flight that is known for the amount of commuters on it, and in fact there were at least 20 of us listed. I usually walk up (or run, depending on how much time I have) a few minutes after the flight starts boarding, get my boarding pass, and then find my seat.
Today, however, newbie gate agents must have been working my flight, because they unseated me 25 minutes prior to push, ten minutes after boarding started, which makes no sense because normally they don’t even clear non-revs until a few minutes prior to closing the flight. They must have wanted to push early (which is great, don’t get me wrong, I love getting in early) but…One of the tenets of my company is “working together” so things like this don’t happen to our fellow employees. It is reasonable to assume that ten minutes prior to the push I could conceivably lose my seat if there were a lot of people standing by but there were plenty of seats and NO REASON to unseat me, even if they had been calling my name.
Where was I, the two agents wanted to know.
Oh, gee, I was busy deplaning a flight. So much for working together, eh?
Then one of them had the nerve to tell me to calm down. SERIOUSLY? This just pissed me off more.
So, of course, as I got on board, I had a lot of co-workers commuting home with me and I began to bitch to my co-workers, including this one woman I can’t fucking stand and vowed to never talk to, so help me God, about getting unseated with 25 minutes left til pushback.
Now, this woman who I can’t stand is the worst complainer I know, always thinks she knows more than the bean-counters who run my company, and also has eyes that move independently of one another, just like that crazy looking lizard. It is unnerving and all I can focus on generally when I am forced to listen to her bitch. Meanwhile, my company has made it through the past two recessions and we are both still employed so I don’t know why she complains so much.
Anyway, I know things are rarely as they seem, which I am learning more and more the older I get. I try to employ this mantra frequently. I am the type of person who will board early or push early to help people, including gate agents, out. I try to be cooperative and if I am upset or put out by something I try to explain my reasons in a non-judgmental manner (I don’t always succeed with this and there are definitely situations where I just can’t and won’t) but bottom line is, a little sympathy hurts no one.
So when I walk up to the gate and am greeted with an accusatory I just unseated you and WHERE WERE YOU?? Its not really going to leave me in a positive mood and then telling me to calm down really doesn’t help. Neither sentences are good customer service, and make no mistake, I am definitely a customer. And I am a co-worker. I could have been treated a little better.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Quicktime
Am dragging Chris to the gym. He will like it once he gets there. Oh yes. Then we have a day of cleaning, grocery buying, and basically preparing for his parents and kids who are going to stay for five days. *gulp*
Friday, July 17, 2009
Just Doing It
Today marks day three of Going to the Gym. I joined a gym that is about two miles from my house that I literally can, and do, ride my bike to. My old gym was about 11 miles away and could take 12 - 20 minutes to get to, and I couldn't help but be annoyed at the time waste, gas, and mileage it put on my car.
Now when I go to the gym, every minute is spent more productively - I am not wasting gas or putting mileage on my car, I am burning calories and getting cardio in on my way over, and then I am lifting weights and doing a short cardio routine while I'm there. I like that if I forget something it is not a huge ordeal to go back to the house (I HATE exercising without my ipod and if I forget that or my headphones, I am not doing it). If I do forget my ipod, it is immediately apparent anyway, because I wear the headphones loosely around my neck on my ride over. It takes me about 30 minutes round trip to ride there and back and according to an exercise calculator, I am burning close to 300 calories in addition to what I am doing when I'm at the gym.
I just have to stay motivated now. It is important to stay positive, but it is also important to be forgiving of minor setbacks. However, the top priority should be to just do it. No excuses. Headache? Ignore it. Body aches? Push through it, or pop an advil. Too tired? Working out will make you feel better. I've done this before and I can do it again. It is time to make this a part of my daily life again. My schedule has calmed down somewhat and I am not flying international trips that left me dizzy and feeling like crap, eating at odd times. I have so much more control now and I can do this.
Now when I go to the gym, every minute is spent more productively - I am not wasting gas or putting mileage on my car, I am burning calories and getting cardio in on my way over, and then I am lifting weights and doing a short cardio routine while I'm there. I like that if I forget something it is not a huge ordeal to go back to the house (I HATE exercising without my ipod and if I forget that or my headphones, I am not doing it). If I do forget my ipod, it is immediately apparent anyway, because I wear the headphones loosely around my neck on my ride over. It takes me about 30 minutes round trip to ride there and back and according to an exercise calculator, I am burning close to 300 calories in addition to what I am doing when I'm at the gym.
I just have to stay motivated now. It is important to stay positive, but it is also important to be forgiving of minor setbacks. However, the top priority should be to just do it. No excuses. Headache? Ignore it. Body aches? Push through it, or pop an advil. Too tired? Working out will make you feel better. I've done this before and I can do it again. It is time to make this a part of my daily life again. My schedule has calmed down somewhat and I am not flying international trips that left me dizzy and feeling like crap, eating at odd times. I have so much more control now and I can do this.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dreaming of the Dreamhouse
Every year in Lake County the YMCA builds a Dreamhouse. These homes are built by local builders and decorated by local decorators. You can buy a ticket for $12 to take a tour and then your ticket is also entered into a drawing to win the Dreamhouse. If you like it, you can move right in (you've won the furnishings, too), but if you don't there is a cash option. Some years the Dreamhouse is lovely, and some years, like this, it isn't...but the fantasy of winning a fairly upscale home is still worth the ticket price.
Last year, the Lake County Dreamhome was breathtaking. Not only was it energy efficient (the builders claimed it would only cost $1200/year to heat and cool the place), it was just stunningly beautiful. Three bedrooms, a wood panelled office, lovely dining room, huge great room with cathedral ceilings, a kitchen to die for...I could wax poetic about this kitchen - it had a huge walk in pantry, beautiful appliances, granite countertops, fabulous built in cabinetry and large windows. It was bright and airy and every window was covered with plantation shutters. The master bedroom was on one side of the house and it featured a large bathroom, walk in closet, jacuzzi, window seats in the bedroom itself, lots of windows. The other two bedrooms were located on the other side of the house, near the three car garage. It had a back deck and patio, with a built in sink and grill. The basement was also partially finished with a fourth bathroom, secondary kitchen, and an office/bedroom. The house was about 2600 square feet, not gigantic, but perfectly sized.
I mean, the house was just fabulous. I actually felt something akin to lust blossom in my heart. I went back multiple times to look at it.
It is in fact a dream of mine to one day build that house. I'd love to get a parcel of land with lots of trees to build that house on. The stuff I could cook in that kitchen...Oh man. The people who won that house last year actually took the money option though.
I've been thinking lately about what I want. Five years ago, I wanted to own a home. Now I have two. Five years ago, I was miserable on reserve and now I am a lineholder with lots of control over how much or little I can work. Five years ago I was single and unhappy, and now I have Chris and his kids in my life. A lot can change in five years. I don't have any active goals that I am working towards, other than continuing happiness, perhaps eventually moving to a warmer climate and building that house. Continuing to travel. Read books. Enjoy life.
Last year, the Lake County Dreamhome was breathtaking. Not only was it energy efficient (the builders claimed it would only cost $1200/year to heat and cool the place), it was just stunningly beautiful. Three bedrooms, a wood panelled office, lovely dining room, huge great room with cathedral ceilings, a kitchen to die for...I could wax poetic about this kitchen - it had a huge walk in pantry, beautiful appliances, granite countertops, fabulous built in cabinetry and large windows. It was bright and airy and every window was covered with plantation shutters. The master bedroom was on one side of the house and it featured a large bathroom, walk in closet, jacuzzi, window seats in the bedroom itself, lots of windows. The other two bedrooms were located on the other side of the house, near the three car garage. It had a back deck and patio, with a built in sink and grill. The basement was also partially finished with a fourth bathroom, secondary kitchen, and an office/bedroom. The house was about 2600 square feet, not gigantic, but perfectly sized.
I mean, the house was just fabulous. I actually felt something akin to lust blossom in my heart. I went back multiple times to look at it.
It is in fact a dream of mine to one day build that house. I'd love to get a parcel of land with lots of trees to build that house on. The stuff I could cook in that kitchen...Oh man. The people who won that house last year actually took the money option though.
I've been thinking lately about what I want. Five years ago, I wanted to own a home. Now I have two. Five years ago, I was miserable on reserve and now I am a lineholder with lots of control over how much or little I can work. Five years ago I was single and unhappy, and now I have Chris and his kids in my life. A lot can change in five years. I don't have any active goals that I am working towards, other than continuing happiness, perhaps eventually moving to a warmer climate and building that house. Continuing to travel. Read books. Enjoy life.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Grillin'
I am becoming quite the cook.
For dinner tonight I grilled (!) some chicken on our Weber grille, boiled up some quinoa, threw in some sauted veggies (basil from my own garden, green onions, mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, and snow peas), and made up a salad.
Using the grill was not quite the success I was hoping for, even though the chicken actually came out delicious. I don't think I let the coals heat for long enough and they weren't really 'going' when I threw them into the grille. I was able to get the chicken breasts cooked though, and they came out perfect and juicy.
I actually enjoy cooking. I can make meatloaf, grilled chicken, spaghetti...My repertoire is not huge, but I guess I can grill up some burgers too, now that I am getting used to using the grill. I especially love to use fresh vegetables. I bet I could make shish ka bobs. My boyfriend likes organic meats and organic milk. Yesterday I made a childhood favorite: Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars, otherwise known as Banana Yuckycakes. It's my mom's recipe, I don't know where she got it but it involved mashed bananas, oats, walnuts, chocolate chips, cinammon, flour...I made mine with whole wheat flour. It's amazing.
My mind is starting to try to figure out what goes into recipes, to see if I can make them at home. I never realized that you can get chicken wings at the store, roll them in sauce, and then grill 'em up. The kids like Mac and Cheese, which is easy enough to make.
Also, in an effort to be a little bit more frugal, I've taken to bringing food with me to work. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches keep well. I try to take some fruit with me and salad accoutrements. I can buy the lettuce at the airport but all the stuff I like on the salad adds up, so I bring that with me. Plus its reasonably healthy. Unfortunately my Ipod stopped working a few weeks ago, so I've been unable to try the yoga video that I had downloaded on it. An Ipod Touch is next on my list.
We are having Chris' parents and the kids stay with us at the end of the month for about five days. I am not exactly freaking out, but I am a bit nervous. I don't really like to entertain, I get anxious over stupid things...and to have someone actually staying in my house?? OMG. Someone give me a Xanax please! Honestly, I think I'll be okay without the meds, but we did stock up on some good liquor. We need somemore wine. Chris' father is a wine afficionado and I fear our little wine collection is lacking. I've had a bottle chilling in the fridge for a few weeks now though. I keep forgetting that it's there. Sadly, I've been waiting for an opportunity to open it and just haven't found the right time. Maybe tonight, if I can convince Chris to take a bikeride.
For dinner tonight I grilled (!) some chicken on our Weber grille, boiled up some quinoa, threw in some sauted veggies (basil from my own garden, green onions, mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, and snow peas), and made up a salad.
Using the grill was not quite the success I was hoping for, even though the chicken actually came out delicious. I don't think I let the coals heat for long enough and they weren't really 'going' when I threw them into the grille. I was able to get the chicken breasts cooked though, and they came out perfect and juicy.
I actually enjoy cooking. I can make meatloaf, grilled chicken, spaghetti...My repertoire is not huge, but I guess I can grill up some burgers too, now that I am getting used to using the grill. I especially love to use fresh vegetables. I bet I could make shish ka bobs. My boyfriend likes organic meats and organic milk. Yesterday I made a childhood favorite: Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars, otherwise known as Banana Yuckycakes. It's my mom's recipe, I don't know where she got it but it involved mashed bananas, oats, walnuts, chocolate chips, cinammon, flour...I made mine with whole wheat flour. It's amazing.
My mind is starting to try to figure out what goes into recipes, to see if I can make them at home. I never realized that you can get chicken wings at the store, roll them in sauce, and then grill 'em up. The kids like Mac and Cheese, which is easy enough to make.
Also, in an effort to be a little bit more frugal, I've taken to bringing food with me to work. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches keep well. I try to take some fruit with me and salad accoutrements. I can buy the lettuce at the airport but all the stuff I like on the salad adds up, so I bring that with me. Plus its reasonably healthy. Unfortunately my Ipod stopped working a few weeks ago, so I've been unable to try the yoga video that I had downloaded on it. An Ipod Touch is next on my list.
We are having Chris' parents and the kids stay with us at the end of the month for about five days. I am not exactly freaking out, but I am a bit nervous. I don't really like to entertain, I get anxious over stupid things...and to have someone actually staying in my house?? OMG. Someone give me a Xanax please! Honestly, I think I'll be okay without the meds, but we did stock up on some good liquor. We need somemore wine. Chris' father is a wine afficionado and I fear our little wine collection is lacking. I've had a bottle chilling in the fridge for a few weeks now though. I keep forgetting that it's there. Sadly, I've been waiting for an opportunity to open it and just haven't found the right time. Maybe tonight, if I can convince Chris to take a bikeride.
Monday, July 6, 2009
A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I started landscaping our small plot in the back of our townhouse. I had noticed other neighbors doing it and had for awhile wanted to have a small garden. But I have never actually gardened before. So instead I bought some pots and planted some morning glories, basil, and mint. Everything surprisingly came up except for one pot where the mint just didn't make it. I was secretly pleased.
But I still wanted more. So a few weeks ago, Chris and I went to Lowes and bought some topsoil, mulch, gardening tools, and plants. We started edging and turning the soil in the area we wanted to plant and then one day, I actually planted stuff. In the ground. I know.
I didn't have enough plants to fill in the whole area we had turned. I needed to go back to the store. But life caught up with me and I had to go to work. My job takes me out of town for a few days at a time. I came home again and we just never got to it and then I was gone for five days. But before I left, I bitched about the unfinished landscaping to Chris. It certainly wasn't his fault that it wasn't finished but I was getting antsy about it. A day later, Chris sent me some pictures of the backyard, where he had finished planting in my absence.
But I still wanted more. So a few weeks ago, Chris and I went to Lowes and bought some topsoil, mulch, gardening tools, and plants. We started edging and turning the soil in the area we wanted to plant and then one day, I actually planted stuff. In the ground. I know.
I didn't have enough plants to fill in the whole area we had turned. I needed to go back to the store. But life caught up with me and I had to go to work. My job takes me out of town for a few days at a time. I came home again and we just never got to it and then I was gone for five days. But before I left, I bitched about the unfinished landscaping to Chris. It certainly wasn't his fault that it wasn't finished but I was getting antsy about it. A day later, Chris sent me some pictures of the backyard, where he had finished planting in my absence.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Baby Time!
I got to see my nephew (and my brother and sister in law) yesterday. He is getting so big, I can't believe it! He'll grip your finger hard, he can lift his head up little and sometimes roll over. And he is soooo much fun to cuddle. I got to feed him and play with him for awhile, then we had to change his diaper and it turned out he kind of had what we refer to in my family as a 'blow-out'. It wasn't pretty (and it was pretty stinky too) so we threw him in the bathtub to get him cleaned up.
My sister in law has what I can only describe as a baby hammock in a little tub sitting in the bathtub to bathe Scotty in. He didn't so much sit as lounge in it. Scotty appeared to be VERY content. He has a hilarious green komodo dragon towel with a piece that fits over his head and has a green crest and eyes on it. I got him all dried off, put him in his Obama onesie, pulled a pair of overalls on him, and he was good to go. I swear he smiled at me a few times.
I haven't been around babies in a long LONG time, at least 20 years, and I have never had the opportunity to hold and cuddle a baby so much. And you know, its kinda fun. I am not saying that middle of the night feedings, crying babies, diaper bag prep, bath prep etc. is easy...I know a lot of work and organization goes into it and I know there is a lot of sleep deprivation involved. Sometimes, I even kinda sorta maybe might want one of my own, in addition to the two kids my boyfriend has.
Being a parent is interesting and frustrating and cheek bitingly hilarious all at the same time, I am slowly learning. Not only do I feel like I am suddenly in the secret club at work (I always tuned out the men and women who would start talking about their kids - so freaking BORING, right? I used to threaten to show people pictures of my washer and dryer) with my own stories to tell, but I realize that my job has actually been good training for having kids around.
Adults often act like children. You have to give them choices, otherwise they have a hard time deciding things. If you give them an inch, they try to take a mile. Its so true. I never understand when parents ask their kids what they want to drink and the kid pipes up, "COKE!" If I have kids, they will not be drinking coke...they'll get juice or milk or water, and none of that flavored water crap. With my luck, I would probably get a kid who didn't like water. I can't imagine a picky eater kid coming from MY loins. Hah. Which is ridiculous because it turns out my nephew has food allergies, soy and dairy.
I digress. I had a wonderful time watching my little baby nephew. He is so unutterably precious. I never imagined I would love him so much.
My sister in law has what I can only describe as a baby hammock in a little tub sitting in the bathtub to bathe Scotty in. He didn't so much sit as lounge in it. Scotty appeared to be VERY content. He has a hilarious green komodo dragon towel with a piece that fits over his head and has a green crest and eyes on it. I got him all dried off, put him in his Obama onesie, pulled a pair of overalls on him, and he was good to go. I swear he smiled at me a few times.
I haven't been around babies in a long LONG time, at least 20 years, and I have never had the opportunity to hold and cuddle a baby so much. And you know, its kinda fun. I am not saying that middle of the night feedings, crying babies, diaper bag prep, bath prep etc. is easy...I know a lot of work and organization goes into it and I know there is a lot of sleep deprivation involved. Sometimes, I even kinda sorta maybe might want one of my own, in addition to the two kids my boyfriend has.
Being a parent is interesting and frustrating and cheek bitingly hilarious all at the same time, I am slowly learning. Not only do I feel like I am suddenly in the secret club at work (I always tuned out the men and women who would start talking about their kids - so freaking BORING, right? I used to threaten to show people pictures of my washer and dryer) with my own stories to tell, but I realize that my job has actually been good training for having kids around.
Adults often act like children. You have to give them choices, otherwise they have a hard time deciding things. If you give them an inch, they try to take a mile. Its so true. I never understand when parents ask their kids what they want to drink and the kid pipes up, "COKE!" If I have kids, they will not be drinking coke...they'll get juice or milk or water, and none of that flavored water crap. With my luck, I would probably get a kid who didn't like water. I can't imagine a picky eater kid coming from MY loins. Hah. Which is ridiculous because it turns out my nephew has food allergies, soy and dairy.
I digress. I had a wonderful time watching my little baby nephew. He is so unutterably precious. I never imagined I would love him so much.
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