Monday, September 29, 2008

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS! HAIL TO JIM ZORN! HAIL TO THE REDSKINS! FIGHT FOR OLD DC! (Not the original, but it works!)

What a Monday morning! WOW! It is so thrilling to drive to work with our HUGE win replaying over and over! Whenever I think about the enormous bailout, I get worried and upset. I curb my emotion by singing the fight song and thinking about that AWESOME Kathy Griffin show on Friday. I MEAN AWESOME! Folks, at one point we were about twenty feet from her. WOW! You have got to go see her!

Sydney and I took a trip to the fabric store this weekend and bought the materials for her costume. I think is is going to be a bit more complicated that I had originally thought. I walked outta there with five or six different types of fabric, ribbons, hooks and a few other random pieces. I'm going to admit that I am a little nervous. I think I may have to call in reinforcements, the Grandmas!

The trip to the fabric store was fabulous. Sydney was as patient as a three year old could be and I was taking FOREVER trying to decide on fabrics. We were in the store for no less than an hour and she didn't complain once. What a trooper! Then, she and I hit the local Thai restaurant for carryout. We ordered our food and played games while we waited. She told me over and over again that she loved me and gave me lots of hugs and kisses. I JUST ADORE THAT! What mommy doesn't?

When we got home, Sydney was excited to try her dumplings. It took her a few minutes to notice that Marc and I were using chopsticks. She immediately wanted to try using them too. I initially thought it was a bad idea and then decided, what is the harm? I figured I'd keep a close watch to make sure she didn't poke her eye out. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! It was so fun and I so wish I'd had a camera. She was giggling with delight the entire time. It was so sweet. She was actually pretty good at using them. I was amazed. She, of course, had some difficulty, but she was so excited that she didn't get frustrated once. I think that is going to be a new thing in our house. :)

We did a ton of cleaning up this weekend and boy was it necessary! I spent a lot of yesterday morning weeding through clothes and organizing drawers. Thanks, Rachael! It really is a dreaded task. We packed up three garbage bags full of donations. Boy, our kids are growing like weeds!

After the afternoon naps, I took the babes to the grocery store (Marc was working). Syd was a bit hyper because we'd been essentially trapped indoors by the rain all weekend so, I was a bit nervous about her behavior. I decided to let her get into one of those dreaded car carts. I really hate those things. They are nearly impossible to maneuver, but Sydney was as happy as a pig covered in dirt. So, I suppose it was worth it because I made it through the entire store with little fuss from either babe. That is a nice grocery store trip!

We were headed home from the store when Syd informed me that I had been a good girl. Interesting huh? Then, she told me that because I'd been a good girl, I could go to her birthday party in June. Isn't that nice of her? :) How funny is it to be told by your kid that you are being good?

Our Sunday evening ended with our huge Skins win over DALLAS! That's right baby! It was such an awesome game and soooo close! We finished the evening by dancing around the room to Shania Twain and packing lunch. :) What a fun night!

I was excited to get my produce email this morning! I so look forward to Mondays because of that email. I just think it is so exciting to find out what veggies you are going to eat in a given week. It is a surprise! This week:

Delicata Squash(L)-NEW FOR ME! I have NO IDEA what this is! Any tips?
Broccoli
Avocados
Sweet Potatoes(L)
Grape Tomatoes(L)
Eggplant(L)
Romaine Lettuce
Golden Pineapple
Gala Apples
Kiwi
Bananas
Valencia Oranges

What a sweet week!

Take care and have a great day!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Yay! Yay! Kathy Griffin!


I'm so excited today, even more so than any other Friday. I'm looking forward to seeing Kathy Griffin tonight. I was unable to catch her show last year and am happy I thought far enough ahead to get the tickets in May! It is a sold out show!
As if that isn't cool enough, I just found out that I will be getting a massage today courtesy of one of our Of Counsel Atty! His wife generally comes in on Fridays to meet with the Firm's massage therapist, but she couldn't make it today and I get to go in her place. Since we have the BEST massage therapist there is, I am super lucky. Seriously, she really is the best!
I've started thinking about Christmas this week. WOW! I cannot believe it is right around the corner. It is such a stressful time. It is hard to look forward to it. So, I'm going to try to be as prepared as possible so that the stress will be low. I purchased the first gift today. Now, only about forty left. Cha-ching.
So, it looks like I'm going to miss the debates tonight. BUMMER! Seriously! Guess I'll have to watch it on youtube.
I hope you have a great Friday!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

How Does That Happen?

Have you ever been doing something and, from out of nowhere, a memory pops into your head? Well, that happened to me this morning on my way to work and I just wonder what made me remember it.


True story, but it contains my opinions only. I've also changed names.


When I was a senior in high school, I had a part-time job at a restaurant. We'll call it Moe's. WAIT! I wasn't a senior anymore. I had graduated already and was sharing an apartment with a complete nut, another story entirely.

One morning, very early, I had gotten up to attend the mandatory staff meeting at Moe's. We always dreaded them because they usually started around 9am, which back then, was ridiculously early for me. Nonetheless, I was a good employee and showed up as required.


Just a few minutes later, the Managers began their spiel. Not all the employees were there. Particularly a couple that had been dating and one of the other Managers. The missing Manager, Peter, had been going through a really rough time as he had just divorced his wife and moved out of his home of many years into an apartment. He was a doll and joked with me often that he had named his daughter after me, even though she was born before we met. The couple consisted of a server, Beth, and the Manager's brother and bartender, Jack.


About thirty minutes into the meeting, the couple showed up and sat down. They were acting strangely and Beth, in particular, was very fidgety. The meeting continued for a bit longer and then, we all split up. Those that had to work that morning, such as myself, went on to finish the opening duties and the others, left. While working on my duties, the phone rang and I happened to answer it. It was Beth. She was HYSTERICAL. "It's Peter! He's dead. I need to talk to Don (another Manager)!" I started to ask what had happened, but thought I'd better just get Don. So, I ran down the steps to the Manager's office and yelled to Don.


I was pacing the floor until Don hung up the phone. Don explained that Jack had found Peter when he returned home from the meeting. Jack and Peter shared an apartment and Beth, as Jack's girlfriend, had been staying there quite a bit also.


As you can imagine, the cops were all over the place. They were all over the apartment, the restaurant and other areas following up leads. We were told that we could possibly be questioned and if so, we were to cooperate and offer any information requested. I was never questioned.


I attended the funeral for Peter a few days later. It was awful. Of course, funerals aren't generally happy occasions. When I saw his two daughters, I just cried my eyes out. I was thinking of little Jessie and how she was going to grow up without her daddy. I know how much Peter loved his kids and it just made my heart hurt.

After the funeral, rumors flew around for weeks. I heard rumors that: he'd had an affair and the husband caught up with him, his wife was still the beneficiary on his policies and had him killed and that he was killed by some man he'd quarrelled with a few weeks prior at a local bar. I didn't believe any of it. To this day, I believe Jack and Beth were involved. As far as I know, it is still unsolved.

So, I wonder why in the world this popped into my head today.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Ooo Rah!

Okay, I totally don't know where that came from. :) My great uncle, Buck, is a former drill sergeant in the Marines and I almost went in, but other than that, no connection.


This morning has been awesome so far. First, my morning walk with Madison was great. It was ridiculously cold though. Yep! Here it comes. I hate cold weather. I seriously am considering a ski mask for morning walks. I wonder if a neighbor would call the cops on me. My eyes run when it is cold outside and then, it freezes to my face. Not fun! Brrr..I'm shivering just thinking about it.


I've been driving a new route to work the last week or so and I LOVE IT! The traffic is comparable to the old route, but I so love the scenery. The majority of the drive is nestled in the trees, which is good for two reasons. First, it blocks the sun that is glaring right in my eyes on my way to work (I drive East) and second, it is so much more peaceful than the toll road. I just love it! It reminds me of my bud, Sandy, too. Her mom used to live off of that road and it takes me back to the days of bridal and baby showers. :)


Today, I have to write a few things about my girl, Syd.

This morning she told me that her favorite colors are pink, orange and purple. She told me that macaroni is her favorite food (big shocker there!). The only time she really gets it is if we go out for dinner or grandma makes it. Finally, her favorite thing to do at school is mold playdough, but she doesn't get do that in her new class. The new class is focused more on learning to write and really learning the letters, rather than just repeating them. My baby is spunky and stubborn, but she is also compassionate and finds beauty in all things. She is a gem and I adore her.

We're all ready for this afternoon! I know it is early early in the am and already I'm thinking about being home with the kids. Can you blame me? Syd and I have a date this afternoon. We're going to clean our veggies together. Sydney loves to help wash vegetables and cook. Although, her cooking is, of course, limited to breaking beans, tearing lettuce and washing. Last weekend, I introduced her to the Pampered Chef chopper. She had a ball. What kid wouldn't? She gets to whack the chopper, make lots of noise and cut stuff up. Now, I have to hold the chopper down while she whacks the top, but we make a good team.

Alright, I'd better get going. I hope you all have a fantabulous day!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Spot Here! Spot There! Look! Spots Everywhere!

No, I'm not talking about chicken pox or the like. Thankfully! I'm talking about pimples. What the crap!

I'm thirty years old and the last three months have been nutty with my skin. This morning I woke up with not one, but FIVE new pimples. I feel like I'm in high school again. Maybe I need a facial or something. I don't know. My chemistry has completely changed since I had Nathan. Bleah! I don't like it!

Yesterday was the first official day of Fall. Rachael, I know you are looking forward to it. You and your teas and mulled spice. :) Me, I dread it. I dislike the fading daylight and chilly temps. I do, however, enjoy pumpkins and Fall decor. Perhaps I'll get on that this weekend. PERHAPS! I'm kinda busy you know. :) Cleaning up puke!

Nathan, poor baby, has had acid reflux since he was born. Sydney had it also, but grew out of it after she'd had solid foods for a while. My Nathan, a very healthy eater, is still dealing with it. We've recently tried switching his formula. I hope Mom is right! :)

Today is Tuesday and it is my brother's b-day! Happy Birthday, Wes! :) In fact, we've got lots of b-days this month...

Jim (Brother) 11th
Grandpa Stick 13th
Hannah Banana 21st
Sam (Nephew) 22nd
Wes (Brother) 23th
Grandpa Don 24th

WOW! That is quite a lot, don't you think? Happy Birthday all!

October is an even busier month!

I'm thrilled! I got the list for my second produce delivery and I see acorn squash on the list. I've never cooked it. Have no idea what to do with it, but I'm looking forward to trying it.

I'm still trying to get past the organic bugs. Seriously, I cleaned the corn last night and buggies again. ICK! ICK! ICK! You would not have known I was raised on a farm given the way I was scrunching up my face last night. I contemplated pitching it, but then I realized I was being idiotic. After all, what do people on a farm do? WASH IT! So, I'm still getting used to it. I've learned that I should probably clean the produce the day it is delivered. I'm used to just pitching my produce into the drawer. I think it will just take a little prep. That will keep bugs outta my fridge and save me some time when I am cooking. Hey! You can take the girl out of the the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl...at least I don't think so. Ew! :)

Have a great day!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Loverly Quick Morning

I just looked up and realized that it is almost noon. Good grief! We've been up since 7:30am this morning and aside from walking the dog, having breakfast and cooking a bit, we haven't gotten much accomplished. I cannot believe how long it takes to do anything sometimes. It has been fun though.

Sydney and I took our soup scraps outside to the compost bin this morning. I decided to take a partial loaf of stale bread too. We crumbled it up outside the fence and are hoping the birds will eat them up. Syd and I had a lot of fun doing it. It isn't something we've take the time to really do before.

Today's soup, kale soup. I got my first produce delivery this week, which I may have mentioned, and we were so excited. I've got a lot to get used to when it comes to organic food though. I've noticed a few bugs in the fruit, which I'm attributing to the organic label. Also, the fruit and veggies are, of course, not perfect. I can actually appreciate that because the fruit seems to be sweeter. This week, we got a baby pineapple, white grapes, peaches and plums (fruit wise). I made a little fruit salad this morning for breakfast. Yummy! We had eggs and sausage too. I couldn't help myself. :)

Well, I'm off to check on the soup and play with Syd. Later! :) Marc is mowing the grass. At least it is beautiful outside. :)

Friday, September 19, 2008

Weekend Weekend!

I'm so looking forward to this weekend. I love going and doing, but this weekend, we'll be at home. Yay! We've go so much to catch up on, mostly chores. I've also got to get back to planning my meals. I've tried winging it and it just isn't working out. So, back to the grind again.

So, in case you didn't know, this month is National Sewing Month. Yay! Well, I guess. I only know that because I was research fabric costs online and discovered that. I've been looking at sewing machines, nothing fancy really, I just need one with a blind hem stitch. So, pretty basic is good. It is just about time for me to start Syd's costume. I'm hoping it will go well. We'll see.

We put a pair of Syd's jeans on yesterday morning, from last year, and we just about died laughing. They are now low capris or super highwaters. :) She is so tall, but so thin. It is somewhat problematic. She really needs the 3t length at least, but a 2t waist. Thank goodness for adjustable pants. Why aren't all of them this way? Another thing on our list is to buy shoes for little miss this weekend. She has quickly jumped up at a size 8.5! My baby is growing too quickly for me, both of them actually.

Have a great, productive weekend!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

A Whole New World!

Seriously, some of you might roll your eyes at this, but...I don't care.

I've been trying so hard to be more "green" this year and I've talked about it quite a bit here. I've been slowly making changes over the last several months and I have never been prouder of our family. Now, we are not model examples, but we are really trying and getting better every day. We are still VERY wasteful and we have a LONG way to go. I just needed to add that because I want to emphasize that we are very normal and average people. So, if you haven't started changing yet, you can do it too!

This morning I was hanging out in the waiting room at the doctor's office reviewing the latest fundraiser put out by Syd's school (wrapping paper). I flipped through the catalog, bending the edge of any page I thought might be a purchase possibility. The nurse called, checked my weight and left me in the "second waiting room." It was then I realized that I could potentially purchase an enormous amount of decorative paper to be ripped off of a gift in two seconds and then, you guessed it, tossed into the trash. WHAT A WASTE! I so love wrapping paper and pretty bows. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about this, but reusable fabric bags crossed my mind, as well as newspaper. I use a lot of gift bags, which our family hands back and forth until they are falling apart. That is okay right? I guess I've decided that I am doing away with wrapping paper this year. Tissue paper? Mmmm...now you are pushing it.

Now, while I was on the hunt for bags, I came across biobags. Now, if you already know about them, stop reading. I'm a newbie. These biodegradable bags come in all the same sizes as standard trash bags (dog poo size, compost size, wastebasket size, kitchen trash size and lawn size). Who wouldn't want to have bags that decompose? Doesn't it just make sense? I, of course, just purchased regular trash bags...hmm...wonder if we've opened those yet. If so, I fully intend on trying these bags out the next go 'round. I could especially use the compost bags. They could easily line my garbage bowl. I do most of the little cooking I do on the weekend, as well as clean out the fridge. I generally cover my bowl with plastic until the end of the weekend when we dump into the compost. Now maybe I could tie up. Hmm...do I really NEED the bags or would they be more waste? Garbage bags-definitely, compost bags-maybe not and poo bags-as long as Madison is going.

I find reading about this stuff fascinating and what a thrill to put the plan into action! I've also cut waaaay back on dry cleaning. Not only is it less expensive for us, but it is better for the environment. I've been washing the majority of the items on gentle and hanging to dry. Now, I cannot iron worth a hill of beans, so that is a major pain in my butt. I'm trying to learn. I guess it will just take a little practice. Okay, it is me, A LOT of practice.

Maybe next week I'll start a carpool! That, unfortunately, right now, is a logistical nightmare. Maybe I could take the bus once or twice a week. Hmm..we'll see.

Have a great day!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

"Anesthesia On!"

So, I'm a total dope. We all know that. I have no problem sharing the goofy things I do and say here. I'm starting to notice a bit of a trend though. They are generally first thing in the morning. So, what did I do today?

Have you ever seen that commercial for On Star (?) where the surgeon is about to operate and he says, "Anesthesia On" and then proceeds to do the surgery without the anesthetic, taking for granted that it was activated by his voice. Better yet, how about the one where the chick walks smack into the door with her coffee because she thinks the door is going to open by itself? That was me this morning, only not quite as dramatic. I took my usual walk this morning from the parking deck. I had my bookbag on my back and my coffee in hand. I was humming Frank Sinatra (stop laughing at me!) and I got to the front door of our building. I just stopped and waited. I really wonder how long I was standing there, humming Ol' Blue Eyes, before I asked myself, "What am I doing?" Then I realized, I was waiting for it to open, like I was in the grocery store. Too bizarre. The door has never opened by itself in the ten years I've worked in this building. The maintenance man watering the grass this morning must have wondered what I was doing. I'm hoping he didn't notice. Isn't that silly? Sometimes I'm so on auto-pilot it scares me.

So, here's to a silly day! I hope you have one too. :)

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Sunday Bliss

Today has been wonderful, but fast! Always! Yesterday we spent the majority of the day at my company picnic, which was nice, but FAR. It took us almost three hours to get there this year.

Today, Marc took us to lunch at Glory Days and we watched the first part of the game (BTW-WE WON!) And I'm hanging out in line at Costco to pick up three needed items. The other two or three were just wants. I wonder how long it will take to get out of this zoo. Hope to talk tom.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Happy Friday!

Wow! I cannot believe Friday is here already. Believe me, I'm not complaining! :)

The sky is quite cloudy and grey this morning. It was smart to bring an umbrella in to work this morning. Speaking of umbrellas...there is another update regarding our parking deck. So, earlier this week our Landlord dropped off these cool golf umbrellas to use for ourselves and our clients. I thought it was really quite sweet and completely unnecessary, after all we are adults. We should be smart enough to prepare for such instances. Since Jackie receives few positive feedback from tenants, I thought it would be nice to drop her an email thanking her for lending us the umbrellas. A short while later, I received a response. She thanked me for the email and then told me that someone in the building had the audacity to complain about the color of the umbrellas. He/She had received navy blue and others had received black and "it wasn't fair." Can you believe it? Really, at least if we opened a daycare center here, we could get smiles and hugs mixed in with the whining! :)

So, Mom and Tom were scheduled to be in San Antonio, TX tomorrow. They are not sure if they are going at this point. In fact, it surely doesn't look like it. I can hardly believe that the forecasters are using the term "certain death" in their reports. That is very serious and people should heed the warnings; however, if Ike changes and doesn't turn into the storm they are predicting, it could backfire. Certainly, that would be great! The next time they use that term, people may not listen. Actually, what am I thinking? People are just stubborn or perhaps they don't have the means to leave. I'm hoping for the best Texas. We're thinking of you! Don't they know you aren't supposed to mess with Texas!

My little Neh-neh is getting so big so quickly. Yes, we do call him Neh-neh sometimes. I was completely opposed to that, but somehow it just stuck. Sydney insisted. He's crawling like crazy now and it only took him a very short time to figure out how to stand (by holding on to things). I believe it won't be long before Mr. Man takes his first step. He seems to be growing faster than Sydney (physically). He's only said a few things (da da and ba ba), but is trying so hard to form words. The funny part is when he gets frustrated and just does a raspberry instead. I just want to squish him! He's so so sweet.

Sydney is razor sharp. HELP ME! She's been pushing boundaries like mad lately, but we're trying to work it all out. The biggest thing is that she's been throwing big fits when I drop her off in the morning (she doesn't want me to go). That really sucks, for so many reasons. This morning she did great! I was so happy. Of course, it might have been because they were serving pancakes this morning and Sydney LOVES pancakes. Oh-sidebar-Marc punched in some info last night on a height predictor for Syd and it estimates she will be 5' 8"! The predictor did say that she could be an inch shorter or taller. I'm 5'5", I think, and that would make her at least two inches taller than me. WOW! She's going to be such a lovely lady. She's got brains, legs and now, height! Watch out! :) My sweetie pie is going to crush hearts! Both of my babies, actually!

Thanks to Ruh, I FINALLY signed up for the weekly organic produce delivery service. I'm so excited! My first delivery is next Wednesday! I think we've got a ton of things on the list. I also added some milk and eggs to the order. I cannot wait!

In other big news, I finally switch our cleaners to the "green" cleaners and this week, I picked up our first container of "green" laundry detergent. WHAT A TASK! I've been using Tide for years and so far, it does not appear that they carry any "green" products. I've sent them an email to confirm. I did read on their website that the Tide 2x is supposed to be "more friendly" because it was less packaging, etc. No, no, sorry. That isn't good enough. So, I ended up with Seventh Generation (sold at Target) and I've got my fingers crossed. I hope hope hope it will do the trick. Isn't it great to have the best of both worlds, clean clothes and a clean environment! We're making strides, folks. Baby steps, I know, but we're working on it. I'm so proud of what we are doing. We've changed so many habits since January. I just keep thinking that we're leaving less of a print this year than last year. Hopefully, next year will be even better. I'm still looking for suggestions so, if anyone has any "green" ideas, please pass them on! :)

Alright, I've been chatty enough for one morning. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

A Moment of Silence

We will have a moment of silence today in remembrance of those that died on 9/11.

To those loved ones of the deceased, we are thinking of you this day...and every day.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Celine Dion! Wooo Hooo!

On Monday night I had the amazing privilege of attending the Celine Dion concert here in DC. WOW! WOW! WOW!

Now, keep in mind that Celine is one of my childhood idols so, I might be slightly biased. She completely lived up to my vision and the hype. There were several wardrobe changes, dancers and kick butt backup (and not-so-backup) singers. Simply amazing! I was like a little kid staring in awe. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was crying like a little girl at a boy band concert. Okay, maybe I'm a little ashamed. After all, I am 30. :)

The playlist ran the gamut. I heard the earliest songs to the most recent and everyone of them was as good, if not better, than the CD. I've found that many times the singers are not as good in person as they are recorded. Typically they are good, but just not as good. Celine, RF and Reba have all surpassed their recordings in person. Of course, Celine really needs to be separated in a sense because her voice is just absolutely by far the most powerful and her range is seemingly limitless.

Thank you mom and Tom! Mom, Ash and Shenan, I had the most fun ever that night and I will always remember it!

Celine, who I know will never read this and I don't care, thank you for living up to my childhood daydreams! Oh and ditch those Cher pants, they were a little tacky.

I hope you get to cross off a "to do" on your life's wish list today!

Hugs,
Jess