One month shy of a dozen

'Lil Bit officially turned eleven months old over this past weekend. She is one crazy cool little lady, and she even looks more like a little lady instead of a baby as the months fly by.

During her eleventh month, 'Lil Bit learned more ways of self-expression, which include clapping, jabbering (even more than previous months), snuggling (when she isn't too busy), and with volume and pitch. She loves to sing little songs to herself using two or three different notes. Her little voice is just so cute. I can't wait to hear her really learn to sing a little song or to hear her say "mama" and know that it is directed towards me instead of just being jibber-jabber. Oh, and I should mention that because she's my child, she has perfect pitch and a rather wide range. Ha!

'Lil Bit has also gotten even more mobile. Although she isn't walking yet, she's getting harder to keep up with these days. She is an expert race-crawler and is cruising the furniture like nobody's business. Really, if you try to redirect her, she acts like it isn't your business...unless you smother her with kisses as you're moving her, at which time she'll grab your face, your ears, or anything else poking out of your head and bury her face into you and she squeals. She really is crazy cool.

Sometimes I'm taken back by the fact that she is perfectly fine sitting in the floor playing by herself. It doesn't seem long ago when I was writing about how it was an accomplishment just to go to the bathroom during the day, and in those days if I got a shower, it was better than I think winning the Nobel Peace Prize feels. It doesn't seem that that child should be on such a path to being such an independent little girl. It is so hard to believe that we're just one month shy of a dozen. A year!

She really is crazy cool.

One little monkey jumping on the bed!

I've always said that I never want to be one of those uptight mothers that never lets her child(ren) experience anything, so this morning, I showed 'Lil Bit how to jump on the bed. No, she can't walk or jump by herself, but if I hold on to her hands and lift up as she does her little half-bounces, the result is an almost jump. Oh man, it was adorbale, and she loved flying up off the bed and then landing back on the bed on her little booty.

People at work have said I'm going to regret these types of teachings later. Last night, The Hunk, our parent educator with the Parents as Teacher's program and I all encouraged her to bang on things. Oh no! Not the furniture! Relax, take a deep breath. It's an old scratched up table that we plan on not replacing until we're old, gray, and done having kids, so go on, bang away.

While it might be true that I'll think twice later about these things, I say to them, "Lighten up!" She's not large enough to damage the bed. She's not by herself, so the chances of her hurting herself are small, and if she did hurt herself, so? Kids fall. It's how they learn. She needs to learn how to manipulate things...to learn cause and effect...how's she going to do that if I don't give her the freedom to do so?

Maybe I'm too lax, but it is a vow I've made and plan on keeping - I will not be a boring, uptight mother. That's not to say she won't have boundaries and consequences for negative/unwanted actions, just that the world will not be off limits.

So, for now, there's one little monkey jumping on the bed. Let's hope she doesn't fall off and bump her head. ;)

The written equivalent of verbal vomit

Each day that I wake up, which thankfully, has been every day so far for the last 26 years and some odd days, I crave creativity. I ache to find the words, or a song, or a photograph....something...to express the depth and breadth of what I am experiencing day to day. Some days - many days - I figure it out for myself. I make up a little poem in my head, make up a little tune to sing to 'Lil Bit while I'm feeding her or changing her diaper (the last one had something to do with her pretty blue eyes), or think of something fun and interesting to blog about. Today, however, is one of those days that I just can't find anything or do anything to say or show what's in my mind. It puts me in a maliciously melancholy mood.

Sometimes I feel it has to do with having such a technical job. I'm doing lots of techy things today. Most of the time, it's awesome, and I get a thrill out of being one of the few true geeky chicks that I know, though I must admit that I don't really know many people. Yet sometimes, it's too techy, in which case I long to do something creative, like write for a living, but I can't write enough or even well enough for that to work.

Hold the freaking phone! I think I figured it out just now... I feel like I know a little about a lot of things instead of really loving just one thing and feeling passionate about it. There is only one thing in this life that I feel intesely passionate about - my family. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I just want to remain an individual as well, ya know? Am I even making sense? But I guess I feel like that which I'm truly good at has very little to do with me. I fuck shit up at work at times (gotta love those defect meetings), I write sub-part articles and stories or can't even think of anything to write some days, and I can't pipe a rose to save my soul. But hey, I'm one damn good mom and I think I'm almost as good of a partner as I am a mom. The Hunk would have to validate that last claim.

I think if I were to do something creative today, it would be to go home and dust off my old clarinet. I haven't played it for years. Hell, I may not even remember the fingerings for all of the notes, and the sound that came out might just be awkward squaks. But I'd try to play something intense and brooding today. Almost dark. No sheet music necessary...complete improv....but it would probably just be mediocre at best.

I suppose I should just be happy being average to slightly above average in many areas and accepting that my purpose might not be to be or do anything creative. Maybe my purpose is to do for others.

My Afternoon at the Spa

I spent Friday afternoon at Aveda's Par Exsalonce, enjoying the benefits of their "Rejuvenation" package, which includes a facial, 30 minute massage, and an express pedicure. Wow, did I feel rejuvenated!

After filling out a few short forms, I was taken back by Rachel, who performed my facial and massage. We walked into a small, dimly lit room with a massage table. There was a wicker chair with a bin filled with warm, bubbly water for soaking your feet. Soft music played in the background while sweet aromas filled the air. I was asked to change into a wrap and a robe.

The first service I received was the facial. Rachel worked with me to find the best treatment for my particular skin and then went to work. It was the first facial I'd ever gotten. I'll be going back for another one! It was great! My skin felt so soft.

Next, was the massage. This was also the first professional massage I'd ever gotten. At first, it almost hurt as she worked out the kinks in my shoulders and back. Apparently, I was quite tense and my muscles were all tensed up. After that, though, it was wonderful. I walked out of there feeling very relaxed...

...which is good because I had to wait 20 minutes before the lady came to do my pedicure. I'd had a pedicure before, but not one of this nature. She rubbed a salt mixture on my feet and legs to exfoliate and soften the skin. Well, it did that, but it also caused me to break out in a rash. Note to self and all those thinking of getting a pedicure: if they do the whole salt treatment thing, do not shave the night before. OUCH!

Overall, I really enjoyed going to the spa, even if I did itch for a few hours afterward. Ha!

Updated Review of the iPhone 3GS

Now that I've had the phone a little longer, I published an updated review:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2054765/things_to_consider_before_purchasing.html?cat=15

A few words about "home"

It isn't the four sides of the house
It isn't the three coushins on the couch
It is the two people with whom I live in the house
That make this house one fine home

Can anyone spot the fallacy?

I finally got all of our belongings moved out of the old house last night. Woo hoo! The majority of it was clothing. After huffing and puffuing up the stairs six or seven times, I finally got everything hung up in the closet, which boasts lovely his and hers sides. I simply threw everything on the bottom bar for simplicity's sake until I have time to go back and organize.



So, can you tell me what's wrong with these pictures?



This is my side:

Now that you've got that in your mind, take a look at The Hunk's side:

Wait a minute! Aren't WOMEN supposed to be the closet hoggers with the super big wardrobes and millions of pairs of shoes?

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, my man has more clothes than me. By far. It's sad, really.

Being All Domestic and Stuff

We're finally just about moved into the new house! Yippee! It's about time! There are still a few odds and ends at the old house, but we should have everything cleared up and cleaned up by the end of the week. I'll be so glad when we're done with this and can take a little break before diving back into the home improvement projects.

I have really been enjoying the new house so far. My new kitchen is so awesome. I've cooked dinner the last three nights on my flat top stove. It is nice to put oil in the skillet and have it STAY PUT instead of all sliding to one side of the pan.

I've also been unpacking boxes and boxes of all of our things, finding the perfect places for everything. I want to feel truly organized. That's the best part of moving - starting with a clean slate!

As I was telling a friend of mine about my newest endeavors, she said, "Wow, you're back to being all domestic and stuff." Heck yes.

I had really gotten rather lazy since having 'Lil Bit last year. Babies are a lot of work, and for the first several months, they really suck out all of your energy. However, now that she is sleeping through the night, taking regular naps, and doesn't require attention 24x7, I feel like I can get a grip on my household. I can start doing things like making decent dinners again instead of just buying the packaged skillet meals (though the Marie Calendar ones are very tasty, albeit not exactly healthy). Maybe we can actually hang some pictures up in this house to display our beautiful family portraits instead of having blank, drab walls.

I feel as if I'm not only starting with a clean slate as far as organizing the house goes. I feel like I am using our big move as an opportunity to start my life with a clean slate - to push a reset button of sorts. I miss my old domestic self, and I am excited that she's resurfacing. The Hunk and 'Lil Bit deserve it, too.


Until next time,
-MFW

What's your One Thing?

Last year, around the time 'Lil Bit was born, my coworker's son was diagnosed with a tumor in his spine. He has been undergoing treatment at St. Jude's hospital in Memphis.

Throughout the last year, we've rallied together here and there in support of our coworker. Upon the diagnosis, we had fundraisers. Cards and flowers were sent. Donations were made.

As time went on, people stopped remembering to ask about Zachary. The donations and sympathetic gestures ceased. Until today.

I received an email from another coworker about an entry in the journal Zachary's parents keep about the St. Jude's Marathon in December. Zachary's aunt is walking in support of Zachary and all that St. Jude's has done for him. Again, everyone is quick to jump on the wagon to donate and support such a great cause.

I think it is wonderful that people band together in support of those they care about. However, it has me wondering... just how much different - no, BETTER - would the world be if people carried around that attitude on a daily basis instead of only in crisis?

One of the local radio stations has this segment called "One Thing." The purpose is to think of one thing you can do every day to help the environment. I propose everyone start thinking about One Thing they can do to show support for someone they care about, or if you're really feeling generous, something for a stranger. Not necessarily someone undergoing something as tragic as dealing with a sick child even, but something small, like surprising your friend with a mocha if they're having a rough day... or even if they're not.

So, what's your One Thing?

Sometimes it be that way

Today is one of those days when I just plain feel burnt out on everything. It might have something to do with the little cold I have, or it could be the fact that my boss has been out of the office for the entire week, meaning I've been even more swamped than usual. Couple that with the big move that we're gearing up for and typical parenting duties, and you've got one overextended lady.

I've also noticed that I feel really, really tired most of the day. I even feel like I look really tired. I probably do! I stopped caring what I look like at any time, even when I got to work, which is not something I am proud of.

Instead of continuing to whine, I am going to come up with a game plan.

- Get more sleep. I usually do not make it to bed until at least 11:00. I'd like to push that up to 10:00 at the very latest. I've always required a lot of sleep in order to function, and I'm just not allowing myself that luxury.

- Exercise more regularly. I tend to do this in spurts. I'll go for weeks at a time without exercising one little minute. Then, I feel guilty about not exercising, so I overcompensate by exercising five times a week for a few weeks. Rinse, repeat. I need to figure out a way to be more consistent. My company is thinking of beginning group training sessions with a trainer from a local gym. Maybe from there, I can generate some workout/accountability buddies at work.

- Use my gift card to the spa that The Hunk gave me all that way back on valentine's Day. i could really use the relaxation and the break from everything.

- Give up the caffeine. It has been a vicious cycle. The more caffeine I drink, the more tired and run-down I feel.

- Eat better. I've gone back to eating anything and everything, not paying attention to whether or not it will make me feel energetic or bogged down. Case in point: This morning, I stopped at McDonald's and had a bacon, egg, and cheese buscuit and an orange juice. For lunch, I had a burrito bol at Chipotle. The Hunk made chicken, rice, and veggies for dinner. I washed both dinner and lunch down with soda. I do not want to think about the amount of calories I consumed, nor the amount of fat. I used to eat so much better, and when I did, I felt more energetic.

- Give myself a break. I'm not going to worry too much about these things until after we move. I tend to stress myself out very easily, so trying to change these habits in the middle of so many other things going on seems like a setup for failure.

-Treat myself to a little make-over. I want to do something different with my hair. I think it would be a nice way to feel refreshed in my looks. With tax free weekend being this weekend, I might get myself a few new things to wear to work. I need to put away the shorts and tennis shoes. I'm not conveying professionalism. I need to stop taking advantage of a casual dress environment and remember that it is still important to look decent for work.

Everyone has these days. It just seems like it has been months for me. I'm done feeling like crap.

Ok, I'm done with my pity party.

Until next time,
-MFW

Oh, Apple, how you disappoint and thrill at the same time

I finally purchased an iPhone 3Gs yesterday. As a whole, I'm pleased with my purchase, though there are VERY simple things that I cannot accomplish that I really feel I should be able to!

1. Changing email notification sounds - Yeah...when you're in IT this is muy importante! It needs to be loud enough to wake me up from a sound sleep, and I can't even hear it during the day when I'm wide awake if I'm in the other room. And you cannot change it AT ALL without jailbreaking the phone, which AT&T and Apple really frown upon of course. Party poopers.

2. There needs to be more options available for text message notification sounds. Same thing as my comment above, only instead of 0 options, there are 5 or 6, but none of them are very loud.

3. It doesn't multitask like the Pre does. This makes me very sad. I think I should be able to continue to listen to Pandora while I check email.

4. PICTURE MAIL! COME ON AT&T GET WITH IT! Such a simple function that is not available yet. The nice people at the Apple store said they heard it was supposed to be enabled by the end of summer. We shall see. Oh well, the camera isn't any better than my Treo's was anyway.

With that being said, I still really, really dig this phone.

1. It's pretty.
2. It's slim, so I can carry it around in my pocket without some weird, uncomfortable bulge.
3. Very, very cool apps, even freebies
4. Easy to jailbreak, so you can do some cool things, like OpenSSH, which is SO COOL if you're a geek.
5. Hey, what do you know - it actually rings!

All Set for School!

I gotta give props to half.com. I just bought all of my textbooks for the two courses I'm taking. I saved about $25 compared to the campus bookstore, and I bought new bookes - not used. That also includes shipping, so I don't have to trek on down to the bookstore only to stand in line for about 30 minutes. It will save me a lot of frustration.

Last night, I went to the AT&T store to check out the iPhones. Not one single salesperson helped me. That's why I hate shopping at the AT&T store. They're always SO.DANG.BUSY and have very little help. I walked around for 20 minutes and not ONE single person even said "Hello, we'll be right with you." My presence was not even acknowledged. I can't even say it is terrible customer service because it would have to at least exist in order for it to be terrible. But no. It's a complete lack of customer service.

So... I will make my way to the Apple store today. Oh joy. It's getting harder and harder to hate Apple.

Oh, also, Office Max and Stapes are doing penny deals on school supplies right now. I bought 5 packs of filler notebook paper for a nickel. Awesome. They also have dollar deals. A pack of my favorite gel pens was a buck. You just can't beat getting all of your supplies for $5. It was a super sweet deal fo' sho'. Staples also gives you a $10 off coupon on your next purchase if you spend $50, but I didn't even come close to that!

This weekend is Missouri's tax free holiday. For those of you not in Missouri, check to see if your state participates and when by going to http://singleparents.about.com/od/cuttingcosts/qt/TaxFreeHoliday.htm I'm probably going to go pick up some things for 'Lil Bit for this fall and maybe some clothes for next year since the summer clothes will all be on clearance. Gosh, I LOVE shopping, and I LOVE the tax free holiday! Mama needs a new pair of shoes!

Until next time,
-MFW

Even I Know When to Take a Break

Today is my 26th birthday! To commemorate my birthday, I am doing absolutely NOTHING! (Well, I'm working...sorta...) No cleaning, no cooking, no painting. Nothing but enjoying my daughter and watching some mindless television.

The Hunk is vising a hospital in Georgia and will be back tomorrow. He sent me a fabulously mushy e-card this morning. I think my sisters are going to come over and hang out tonight so that I don't spend my birthday alone. It really makes no difference to me.

Yesterday, Daddy-o took me out to lunch. 'Lil Bit did fabulously! She was very well-behaved the entire time and cracking everyone up with her little quirks. She's hilarious! We went to Olive Garden, where I gorged on Chicken Scampi. Ever have it? You should. It's super good.

After that, we headed up to Nebraska Furniture Mart. Daddy-o gave me a gift card to use for my birthday. I purchased a huge clock, a couple of vases, and two Baby Einstein DVDs for 'Lil Bit. Then, we went back to my house and ate some sub-par cake. It wasn't so good. I will probably make my own this evening so it will be ready tomorrow to share with The Hunk. I'm going to try a new recipe for a lemon cake with raspberry filling. Yum! And since my sister took culinary arts and learned how to make roses, I'm going to have her show me what the heck I'm doing wrong.

Although I'm taking a break for the day/night, we do have a really busy week. We're getting carpet installed in the new house on Wednesday! WOO HOO! That means we'll be moving this weekend. Oh joy. Still, it will be nice to actually LIVE IN the house that we bought over 6 weeks ago.....

Welp, almost lunch time. Off to enjoy a delicious cheesy burrito with my awesome co-workers.

Until next time,
MFW

HA! I got it!

Just as I said I would, I snapped a picture of 'Lil Bit this morning. The camera didn't have batteries, so I had to settle for a picture with my phone. Granted, it isn't the cutest picture since it is fuzzy and she is clearly not happy. Still, it cracks me up to walk into her room and see her standing up SO BIG! My girl is growing far too quickly!

We Like to Party!

Part of the role of being domesticated involves party planning, and I've got TWO parties to plan for the month of September.

1. 'Lil Bit's FIRST birthday party! As you can imagine, I'm SUPER excited about this! This party is more of a celebration for Mom and Dad for getting through the first twelve months of parenthood than it is a birthday party since she is too young to remember. Still, I plan on having all of the staples - good food, a pretty cake, a little cake for her to eat, and fun presents! Since she's just turning one, it will be limited to family. I haven't yet pinpointed a theme as of yet.

2. Aunty C's baby shower! My younger sister is having a baby in November! I'll probably hold her shower either the last weekend in September or the first weekend in October - about six weeks before she is due. It might sound a little early, but considering the fact that I had 'Lil Bit three weeks early, I want to make sure Aunty C has plenty of time to make sure she is ready for the biggest change of her life.

Aunty C is having a baby girl, which started out as a teeny bit of a shock to her. She is tomboy and was a bit worried about how she was going to identify with a girl. However, when Aunty C was young, she used to LOVE having tea parties. Our mom, whom my niece is going to be named after (at least that's the plan for now), bought her a miniature tea set every year for Christmas. Therefore, in order to remind her that having a girl can be fun, too, I'm doing a tea party theme for her baby shower. I've been searching ebay for good deals on tea sets so we can have three or four different small sets with different types of teas in them. I'll also serve a variety of tea sandwiches, pastries, and a cake. I'm SO excited!