Just a quick update to say that the first week of my new job went very well! I was so exhausted by Friday evening. My brain was completely fried.
Three days of the week were spent wearing a non-flattering logo polo shirt following around plant technicians (two of whom I had a language barrier with), learning how to water and care for the plants. It was a good experience, but not something I want to do very often. It was so tiring walking around these huge (albeit gorgeous) buildings in downtown Dallas, taking time to care for each and every plant. And it was also strange because when you are dressed like that, the fancy schmancy business people look past you like you are invisible. I was just the "hired help." Had to swallow my pride a bit but it was good for me.
I learned more about plant names, plant care, plant everything than I ever in my life imagined I would know.
This week I'll get to delve into more of the selling aspects, which I am sooo ready for. I have to travel a couple days this week and 3 days next week.
The kids are really enjoying going to the babysitter's house. I say babysitter, but it's really a sweet lady in my church home group who has three kids, one of whom is a 4 year old boy that Rylan is having a great time playing with. Presley has been taking her naps there (thankfully!) so I am able to spend plenty of time with them in the evenings. (We are keeping them at their preschool in the mornings doing it this way; they'll have to start more of a traditional daycare this summer.)
I worked my tail off this weekend trying to get the laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc done. There was a little bit of downtime but I am realizing that I just have to be very efficient and purposeful with my time. No more putting these chores off until Monday.
So that's the scoop. In case you were wondering. In case anyone actually still reads this thing!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
So Blessed
Last night I went to a girl's night at a friends house where it was mostly people from our church home group, along with a couple of other friends. They surprised me by each bringing a dish I can freeze in order to help me through the full-time working mom transition! How sweet is that?!
I've got beef stroganoff, chicken spaghetti, chili, and the list goes on. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this! And how blessed it made me feel. I am so thankful to have such a great support system. I know I cannot take it for granted. I'm thankful that these mostly stay-at-home moms are not judging me for going back to work - they are instead my cheerleaders.
Another wonderful friend came over last week and used her wardrobe consultant expertise to help me build more work outfits out of the existing clothes in my closet. We took pictures of all the different combinations and now I feel like I can get through this season without having to buy a bunch of stuff. (Now spring/summer, that is a whole 'nother story. Major shopping to be done with April paychecks). If you live in the Dallas area and you need some "help" in the clothes area, my friend Tiffany is a great person to hire. And we had so much fun doing it!
So anyway, after all the casserole-giving, we watched The Time Traveler's Wife. I read the book last summer and somehow never made it to the theater to catch this movie that I've been anticipating for months. I know the reviews weren't stellar but I thought they did a very good job on translating the book to a movie. Some of the girls were confused so I was glad to be able to clear some of it up - the book was extremely confusing at first until I got the hang of the whole time travel concept. I just love Rachel McAdams. She has a glow about her. And for all of you who went to college with me - does she remind you of Gretchen with long hair?
I think I'm ready for Monday. House is extra-clean, laundry is done, clothes are ironed. As excited as I am, I am so darn sentimental that I can't help but feel a sense of sadness at the closing of a chapter in my life. I've been on the verge of tears for the past 3 days. Maybe it's just hormones.
At any rate, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Bring it on.
I've got beef stroganoff, chicken spaghetti, chili, and the list goes on. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this! And how blessed it made me feel. I am so thankful to have such a great support system. I know I cannot take it for granted. I'm thankful that these mostly stay-at-home moms are not judging me for going back to work - they are instead my cheerleaders.
Another wonderful friend came over last week and used her wardrobe consultant expertise to help me build more work outfits out of the existing clothes in my closet. We took pictures of all the different combinations and now I feel like I can get through this season without having to buy a bunch of stuff. (Now spring/summer, that is a whole 'nother story. Major shopping to be done with April paychecks). If you live in the Dallas area and you need some "help" in the clothes area, my friend Tiffany is a great person to hire. And we had so much fun doing it!
So anyway, after all the casserole-giving, we watched The Time Traveler's Wife. I read the book last summer and somehow never made it to the theater to catch this movie that I've been anticipating for months. I know the reviews weren't stellar but I thought they did a very good job on translating the book to a movie. Some of the girls were confused so I was glad to be able to clear some of it up - the book was extremely confusing at first until I got the hang of the whole time travel concept. I just love Rachel McAdams. She has a glow about her. And for all of you who went to college with me - does she remind you of Gretchen with long hair?
I think I'm ready for Monday. House is extra-clean, laundry is done, clothes are ironed. As excited as I am, I am so darn sentimental that I can't help but feel a sense of sadness at the closing of a chapter in my life. I've been on the verge of tears for the past 3 days. Maybe it's just hormones.
At any rate, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Bring it on.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Two Great Things...
#1 After she took a bath tonight, Presley climbed up on the potty all by herself and went pee pee in the potty. I heard the trickle and then by the time I got in there she was yelling "I did it! I did it!"
To me, potty training can't really get going until this monumental event. Now that she has gone, I feel like we can really get things started. Perfect timing (not) - new job, new babysitter, oh well. I'm just thrilled that she did it. It is so her to do it on her own when no one was sitting there prompting her.
#2 I saw on TV this morning that Spanx now has a swimsuit line!!! Just last summer I was wishing they had one. For the - ahem - low price of $178 you can have your tummy sucked in and still look very fashionable. The suits I saw were pretty cute. I guess it's a lot cheaper than a tummy tuck. This may be a splurge I will have to make. Here's a picture of the one I want. I call dibs on it to all my friends out there.
To me, potty training can't really get going until this monumental event. Now that she has gone, I feel like we can really get things started. Perfect timing (not) - new job, new babysitter, oh well. I'm just thrilled that she did it. It is so her to do it on her own when no one was sitting there prompting her.
#2 I saw on TV this morning that Spanx now has a swimsuit line!!! Just last summer I was wishing they had one. For the - ahem - low price of $178 you can have your tummy sucked in and still look very fashionable. The suits I saw were pretty cute. I guess it's a lot cheaper than a tummy tuck. This may be a splurge I will have to make. Here's a picture of the one I want. I call dibs on it to all my friends out there.
This Little Prayer of Mine
Author Anthony DeStefano contacted me about doing a review of his new children's book, This Little Prayer of Mine, and I happily agreed. I was planning to purchase a copy but was thrilled when he asked for my address and a signed copy showed up via Fed Ex two days later!
Not only is it beautifully written, but the illustrations (by Mark Elliot) are gorgeous. Some of my favorite lines are:
"Whenever I feel really scared and want to hide my head,
please help me to be brave and strong and face my fears instead."
"And when my heart is very sad, and tears roll down my face,
please help me to be happy so a smile can take their place."
"Whenever I feel all mixed up, unsure of what to do,
please show me what the right path is and help me follow you."
"Whenever I feel all alone, with not a friend in sight,
please let me know you're here with me and everything's all right."
The timing of this book was so perfect because just that week I was thinking about how Rylan's bedtime prayers were all sounding the same. Thank you for this, thank you for that, etc. I had tried to explain how we can talk to God about everything - ask him for help, tell him our feelings, etc, but I could tell I wasn't doing a great job.
This book really does that. Rylan really enjoyed it and I think he really "got" it.
Endorsed by The National Day of Prayer, the book was released today so I'm sure you can find it at your nearest bookstore or on Amazon.
Monday, February 15, 2010
What happened?!
I need an intervention.
I'm having a serious meltdown over here.
Everything bad I have eaten since November just showed up on the scale and my waistline today.
No, really, it did.
How did this happen? Is it because of:
a) The half a loaf of french bread with 1/4 stick of butter that I've been eating about once a week.
b) All those visits to that dang candy bowl on our kitchen counter that appeared around Halloween and has yet to go away.
c) Restaurant food (I never make good choices when I'm at a restaurant.)
d) The fact that I haven't exercised since I started working six months ago.
e) The goldfish crackers/glass of Zinfandel that I have every night around 9:00 while I'm watching TV.
f) All of the above. What did you expect, moron?
I have got to figure something out. And fast.
At least now I have some motivation. Now the question is how in the world to find time to exercise in the midst of starting a full time job and still have time to take care of the house and kids. Hmm.
I'm having a serious meltdown over here.
Everything bad I have eaten since November just showed up on the scale and my waistline today.
No, really, it did.
How did this happen? Is it because of:
a) The half a loaf of french bread with 1/4 stick of butter that I've been eating about once a week.
b) All those visits to that dang candy bowl on our kitchen counter that appeared around Halloween and has yet to go away.
c) Restaurant food (I never make good choices when I'm at a restaurant.)
d) The fact that I haven't exercised since I started working six months ago.
e) The goldfish crackers/glass of Zinfandel that I have every night around 9:00 while I'm watching TV.
f) All of the above. What did you expect, moron?
I have got to figure something out. And fast.
At least now I have some motivation. Now the question is how in the world to find time to exercise in the midst of starting a full time job and still have time to take care of the house and kids. Hmm.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
It doesn't really feel like today is Valentine's Day since my hubby and I celebrated it yesterday.
We unloaded our kids on my mother-in-law (and have yet to go back and get them) yesterday afternoon and then drove to Dallas. The traffic was crazy, maybe because of the NBA all star stuff going on? Every major highway was so crowded. We planned to see a movie at Northpark mall but by the time we got close to it we were too late and the parking lot looked insane anyway.
Eventually we found a movie theater and saw Valentine's Day.
Every fifteen minutes or so Lance leaned over and asked, "What's this movie about again?"
However, I liked it. He hated it but loved me enough to sit through. I wouldn't see it again, won't be buying the dvd, but it was fine.
Then we went to the biggest dive of a restaurant on Henderson called Loui's. He told me that it wasn't a place to get excited about but that they had the best pizza in Dallas, which was enough for me. But honestly, when we pulled up to it I was kind of afraid. The inside was much better and the pizza was amazing. I enjoyed the food as much as I would have at a fancy schmancy restaurant.
The weird thing about this place is that it is sooo no frills but it is packed every single night. On the side we were sitting at, there was a huge pile of boxes and a trash can in front of a bar (whose countertop was covered with random restaurant supplies) and that is where the hostess came to grab her menus. It's also where she kept her purse and jacket. Just threw them on the pile of boxes, right there in the middle of the seating area.
But no one seemed to care. Because the food is just that good.
On our way out we got hit up by a guy down on his luck to spare a few dollars, which we did. He was so nice and well spoken about it that I wasn't afraid or anything.
I feel so alive when I'm in Dallas. I don't get out there often enough. Once again we discussed the possibility of moving there some day. Unfortunately, in order to avoid paying for private school you have to live in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Texas and pay California prices for a 1500 square foot house built in 1935. But I am tempted to do it. Or at least try it.
Maybe someday.
In other news, I just finished a great book called True Colors by Kristin Hannah. She's the one who wrote one of my all time fave books, Firefly Lane. This one took me a bit to get into, but it sucked me in and I finished reading it this morning. I know I won't get to enjoy reading for pleasure very much when I start my new job so I was glad to go on hiatus with a good one.
Well, guess I need to hop in the shower and go claim my children. I have so enjoyed laying in bed all day watching TV and reading US magazine without any interruption, save to heat up my leftover pizza and retrieve my box of thin mints from the pantry. I know what you're thinking: This girl is way too classy for me.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
We unloaded our kids on my mother-in-law (and have yet to go back and get them) yesterday afternoon and then drove to Dallas. The traffic was crazy, maybe because of the NBA all star stuff going on? Every major highway was so crowded. We planned to see a movie at Northpark mall but by the time we got close to it we were too late and the parking lot looked insane anyway.
Eventually we found a movie theater and saw Valentine's Day.
Every fifteen minutes or so Lance leaned over and asked, "What's this movie about again?"
However, I liked it. He hated it but loved me enough to sit through. I wouldn't see it again, won't be buying the dvd, but it was fine.
Then we went to the biggest dive of a restaurant on Henderson called Loui's. He told me that it wasn't a place to get excited about but that they had the best pizza in Dallas, which was enough for me. But honestly, when we pulled up to it I was kind of afraid. The inside was much better and the pizza was amazing. I enjoyed the food as much as I would have at a fancy schmancy restaurant.
The weird thing about this place is that it is sooo no frills but it is packed every single night. On the side we were sitting at, there was a huge pile of boxes and a trash can in front of a bar (whose countertop was covered with random restaurant supplies) and that is where the hostess came to grab her menus. It's also where she kept her purse and jacket. Just threw them on the pile of boxes, right there in the middle of the seating area.
But no one seemed to care. Because the food is just that good.
On our way out we got hit up by a guy down on his luck to spare a few dollars, which we did. He was so nice and well spoken about it that I wasn't afraid or anything.
I feel so alive when I'm in Dallas. I don't get out there often enough. Once again we discussed the possibility of moving there some day. Unfortunately, in order to avoid paying for private school you have to live in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Texas and pay California prices for a 1500 square foot house built in 1935. But I am tempted to do it. Or at least try it.
Maybe someday.
In other news, I just finished a great book called True Colors by Kristin Hannah. She's the one who wrote one of my all time fave books, Firefly Lane. This one took me a bit to get into, but it sucked me in and I finished reading it this morning. I know I won't get to enjoy reading for pleasure very much when I start my new job so I was glad to go on hiatus with a good one.
Well, guess I need to hop in the shower and go claim my children. I have so enjoyed laying in bed all day watching TV and reading US magazine without any interruption, save to heat up my leftover pizza and retrieve my box of thin mints from the pantry. I know what you're thinking: This girl is way too classy for me.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Monday, February 8, 2010
One of those days
This is not my favorite day.
Last night I packed my gym bag, got all mentally prepared to work out first thing this morning, and then my back pain came on again. I've been having this annoying back pain on and off for over a year, and I'm in an "on" period. I'm seeing a chiropractor tomorrow.
So anyway, I had to unpack my gym bag. I woke up this morning to a nasty, rainy day. I went out to my car only to find that someone had broken in to it and guess what they stole.
Three pairs of sunglasses.
The most painful steal was the pair of Banana Republic ones I bought 3 weeks ago with my Galleria gift card I got for Christmas. They were on sale but cost more than the $15 I usually spend at TJ Maxx. I rewarded myself for not breaking or losing a pair in several years. And they were soooo adorable! They even stole the case they came in.
The second most painful steal were the black pair of Nine West sunglasses that I bought LAST FRIDAY. I hadn't even had the chance to wear them yet! That really pissed me off.
The third pair were my cheap back-up sunglasses. No biggie.
They also stole my cd case and I'm still not sure what all was in there. Justin Timberlake for sure. Probably a Dave Matthews. A Michael W. Smith praise cd. The Wiggles (oh darn). Fortunately I downloaded all the good songs on itunes so not a huge loss. That I know of yet.
We (read: my husband) forgot to lock the car so this is just a great reminder to all. Nothing much happens in my neighborhood but I'm sure some hoodlum teenagers were just out having a good time. They also went through my husband's car and took his car charger and messed things around and threw some stuff in the yard.
Anyway, after that it took me an hour to get to work because people forget how to drive across the Lake Lewisville bridge when it rains. Ridiculous.
My other point of contention today is the fact that Presley has now gone 5 DAYS without taking a nap. I'm pretty sure it is official at this point. She is 2 1/2 and I thought we had more time. Is it bad that this makes the thought of going back to work full time a little less painful? The down side is that if she doesn't take a nap, she'll be ready to go to bed earlier in the evening, which is when I'll want to spend time with her. I guess we'll have to figure it out.
The kids are playing pretty well together though. I'm trying to get the point across to her that if she doesn't take a nap, I am not going to be there to entertain her with a song and dance for the entire afternoon. And on the upside, she doesn't wake up from her naps all grumpy, and I don't have to walk on eggshells upon her first hour of awakening while she cries for no reason. That, I won't miss.
So that's my day. Aren't you glad you wasted the last 5 minutes of your life listening to me complain? Sorry about that.
Last night I packed my gym bag, got all mentally prepared to work out first thing this morning, and then my back pain came on again. I've been having this annoying back pain on and off for over a year, and I'm in an "on" period. I'm seeing a chiropractor tomorrow.
So anyway, I had to unpack my gym bag. I woke up this morning to a nasty, rainy day. I went out to my car only to find that someone had broken in to it and guess what they stole.
Three pairs of sunglasses.
The most painful steal was the pair of Banana Republic ones I bought 3 weeks ago with my Galleria gift card I got for Christmas. They were on sale but cost more than the $15 I usually spend at TJ Maxx. I rewarded myself for not breaking or losing a pair in several years. And they were soooo adorable! They even stole the case they came in.
The second most painful steal were the black pair of Nine West sunglasses that I bought LAST FRIDAY. I hadn't even had the chance to wear them yet! That really pissed me off.
The third pair were my cheap back-up sunglasses. No biggie.
They also stole my cd case and I'm still not sure what all was in there. Justin Timberlake for sure. Probably a Dave Matthews. A Michael W. Smith praise cd. The Wiggles (oh darn). Fortunately I downloaded all the good songs on itunes so not a huge loss. That I know of yet.
We (read: my husband) forgot to lock the car so this is just a great reminder to all. Nothing much happens in my neighborhood but I'm sure some hoodlum teenagers were just out having a good time. They also went through my husband's car and took his car charger and messed things around and threw some stuff in the yard.
Anyway, after that it took me an hour to get to work because people forget how to drive across the Lake Lewisville bridge when it rains. Ridiculous.
My other point of contention today is the fact that Presley has now gone 5 DAYS without taking a nap. I'm pretty sure it is official at this point. She is 2 1/2 and I thought we had more time. Is it bad that this makes the thought of going back to work full time a little less painful? The down side is that if she doesn't take a nap, she'll be ready to go to bed earlier in the evening, which is when I'll want to spend time with her. I guess we'll have to figure it out.
The kids are playing pretty well together though. I'm trying to get the point across to her that if she doesn't take a nap, I am not going to be there to entertain her with a song and dance for the entire afternoon. And on the upside, she doesn't wake up from her naps all grumpy, and I don't have to walk on eggshells upon her first hour of awakening while she cries for no reason. That, I won't miss.
So that's my day. Aren't you glad you wasted the last 5 minutes of your life listening to me complain? Sorry about that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
