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Friday Already?!

Wow! I cannot believe it is Friday, but then again, it generally sneaks up on me. We've got a pretty big weekend planned, relatively speaking. :)

Tonight, I'm looking forward to going home, eating leftovers, picking up a bit and vegging. Tomorrow, we'll go out to look at houses for the first time. First stop, Bristow. I think there is one in Haymarket. We're thinking this location might be too far, but we're open people. :) We'll just take a look, even if it is to rule it out. Jess, we'll probably next hit Manassas or Leesburg. Marc found a neat website for searching and maybe you want to take a look. I think it is redfin.com.

After our house hunting adventure, we'll go home for a bit and the babysitter will come. I'm pretty anxious about the whole thing, mainly because Sydney tells me she does not want a babysitter. I'm thinking she'll be fine with the whole thing. I'm really looking forward to a night out with hubby sans babies. I love them to death, but it is nice to chew food at a normal pace. :) For me, that is pretty slow. :) I'm a very very slow eater. I cannot help it. I've always been that way. I'm not quite "chew every bite 100 times," but I'm close.

Sunday is the Superbowl and I cannot believe it! I typically get all excited, make food and watch. This time, I don't have any real plans. I'm thinking we're going to be sitting on the couch, which will be fine with me! :)

Okay, so I'm off to check in on you guys quickly before I have to dive in.

Have a great weekend!

Icy Day!

Wow! It was quite icy out today, but we made it in. I've been crazy busy this week and I am soooo thankful! It, of course, cuts into my goof-off time so, my apologies for not visiting.

We have our first official house-hunting appointment this weekend. First task-determine our area of interest.

I had dinner last night with Sandy. We went to Sweetwater. Boy! I hadn't been in a long time and it was such a treat. I feel so guilty, but I'm sure I'll get over it.

I'm off to have some lunch, but I wanted to let you know I'm here and thinking of you all. I miss you!

"I've Gotta Jump."

I've been crazy busy at work, but I had to post this quickly because I knew I would forget.

We have a client that is "too cool for school." Seriously, he pretends like he doesn't know who I am, even though we've met at least twenty times and have talked on the phone no less than fifty. We are a very small company. Anyway, that's not all, but you get the drift. He's the epitome of the poster, "You'll never be four collars popped cool." If you haven't seen it, you should Google it. I think of him every time I see it.

Okay, so I'm working on a transaction for him and he's pulling his usual garbage. Thankfully, those things don't generally bother me and, surprisingly, it doesn't happen more often. I have clients that come into our office far more affluent than he and they treat me like their best bud. Good idea! :) They are smart enough to know that people work harder for you, if you are not an ass!

Anyway, I digress. I called him for the ninth time today and he's always hurried and impatient. Listen, bud, you asked for the info. I've got it. Now, shut up and let me give you the answers. Well, he closed his phone conversation today with "Okay, I've gotta jump." Huh? Correct me if I am wrong, and I very well could be, but I believe it expression is "I've gotta bounce." Hmm..I wouldn't know. I'm just not that cool. :) Ha ha! Even funnier, I got a copy of his license and he is 56! Certainly that isn't old, but his attitude, dress and lame expressions show that he thinks he's in college.

Sorry, I'm in a hurry. Hope you get a laugh! :) I know I did!

Change is Here! :)

Yesterday was the BIG day! I know you were all watching from wherever you were. I witnessed history on the floor of my bedroom. Exciting right? My eyes were glued to the tv from the time W and Obama left the White House until after the swearing in ceremony. It was awesome and how about that Yo-yo Ma! He was really getting into it. I've got to check him out.

After the swearing in, Marc and I headed to the Olive Garden for lunch and then to DSW. I was soooo tired by this point because Sydney had kicked me all the night before that we went home and I took a nap. We were supposed to watch a movie, but I just couldn't do it.

I awoke from my nap and decided to go get my hair cut. I whacked quite a bit off and now have bangs, long ones! I tried to take a picture with my phone, but alas, I'm completely uncoordinated and I just keep getting my nose! :) He he. So, sorry.

I'm back at work today, sadly. Well, not really. I do like it here. I just like being at home with the fam. :) Things have been so quiet here lately that I'm falling into a lull of sorts. I think I'm going to have to create a job for myself so that I feel like I have a purpose.

Okay, before I go a few kid things:

-Sydney has informed us that she wants to fly like Tinkerbell. She told Marc that he needed to buy her some wings so that she could fly.

-Sydney is, for some strange reason, in LOVE with Hannah Montana. She got a HM doll from Aunt Kim and she's just cracks us up with it. She runs through the house singing, "It's the best of BONE world." Ha! Ha! Ha!

-Nathan's new hobby is to poo in the bathtub. YUCK!

-Nathan also loves HM and dances whenever the songs come on.

Crap! I know there are more, but I've forgotten. AGAIN! Wow! I've got the worst memory ever.

Have a great day!

Happy MLK Day!

Yay for the great holiday! I'm at work, but today is certainly a noteworthy holiday. Tomorrow is the big historic day! No matter where you stand, you have to be in awe of the moment. It will prove to be a tingle-creating, tear jerking and inspiring day. I'm just so thrilled to be a witness. Can I get a witness!? :) Sorry, I totally couldn't help myself.

So, I couldn't find my cord thingy this weekend for the camera. I must admit I wasn't looking very hard for it. I was ill (sinus infection and ear infection) and spent a lot of time lounging around. In fact, yesterday was another perfectly lazy Sunday. Nate napped a lot while Syd, Marc and I snuggled on the couch watching whatever lame shows were on. I don't even remember what they were.

I started (FINALLY!) my thank you cards. WOW! I'm so far behind. How fortunate I am to have such a problem, a lot of thank yous to write! I'm so thankful for it! Target is too! I certainly keep their notecard section turning over. :) They really do have the cutest notecards.

I'm a bit behind in something, but I'm ahead in others. Sydney and I started working on her valentines yesterday. Yay! I'm actually a bit ahead there. Of course, it will take until the day to get them all together. I'm just that slow. Seriously, how long does it take to write a note, tape a pencil to it and move to the next? Well, if it were just me, a minute or so. Since I'm letting Syd do most of the work...a really really long time. :) She loves it and I love to watch her doing it. :)

Well, I'm off to catch up with everyone. I hope you have a fabulous day tomorrow. Our office is closed and I will be glued to the tube. :)

Choppers All Clear!

I went to the dentist today. I so love going. NOT! I'm happy to report healthy teeth and gums. Yay! I do have to go back in two weeks to get fitted for a nightguard. I've got a few tiny jaw issues, but that should hopefully fix it. The issues are most likely caused from too much talking. Oops. I'm also supposed to limit my gum chewing and a few other things. Boo!

Yay! Don't you love it when you the all clear from a doctor or dentist. One 2009 check up-DONE! Now that is something to smile at!

Someone Stop Me!

Okay, this is getting a little ridiculous. This is my fourth? post today. Clearly I need to stay away from the coffee.

I'm all for cell phones. Love 'em! Love 'em! Love 'em! BUT...

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM IN THE POTTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why? I just don't get it. There really cannot be anything that important. We have a group of girls on this hall that are serious potty talkers. Excuse me, but I find it strange that the person on the other end of the phone can hear me tinkle.

This is where great restraint comes in. My instinct is to start furiously flushing and bellow disgusting noises and grunts. Since I'm now 31, I'm thinking that behavior would be somewhat unbecoming. I'm still tempted! Catch me in the right mood and it just might happen.

Oh and lady on the 6th floor, why are you still wearing sandals? It is 20 degrees outside today and NO, they don't look any better with socks. If your issue is comfort, Naturalizer and Liz Claiborne make comfortable, sensible and CLOSED toe shoes. Check 'em out!

TV Wisdom

Who said television cannot provoke deep thoughts? :)

This week on The Unit...

Hebrews 13:2"Don't forget to be kind to strangers for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it."

Now, I never said that biblical lessons aren't good! Honestly, I think many of them are good. I'd just like to throw some of it out. I won't get into all of that. This, however, is one we should keep. To me, it falls in line with the Golden Rule. I try to make a general rule to be kind to others, even when they are being royal pains. I'm not perfect and, in fact, I lose my patience quickly. Yet, I try. BTW-patience improvement is a resolution this year.

You never know who you might meet and how they will touch your life. Show kindness and give them a chance.

This week on American Idol...

"You are either born with it or not." -Randy Jackson

Now, this one really hits home. It really makes me think about myself. What in the world was I born with? I'm serious. I got very mental on this one. I know, funny given that it is American Idol.

I'm not particularly talented in any given area. I'm awkward, shy and quiet (around strangers). I'm sorta smart and I don't think I was beaten by the ugly stick. If that isn't the case, let me go on in ignorance. :) What is my "thing"? I've thought and thought, but cannot come up with one.

Ever feel like you are bursting at the seams, so ready to do something great? That is exactly how I feel. I want to make a difference. I want to be the type of person to infect others with laughter and put them at ease. I want...to be me, whatever that means.

So, what was I born with? Just a little light pondering for me on an ordinary Wednesday.

American Idol Judge-Kara DioGuardi

American Idol started last night with new judge, Kara DioGuardi. When I heard the name I had NO CLUE! I had to, of course, Wiki her. I was floored when I saw this. You go, Kara!

If you watched last night, you know that Kara sang a few bars as a demo to some bikini-clad brat, who sounded like poo poo! BTW-I cannot wait to see her go. What is the deal with her making out with everyone? Odd. Anyway, Kara had a beautiful voice. I'm thinking she might help draw me back to AI on a fairly regular basis. We'll see.

Doesn't It Figure!

So, my body woke itself up this morning before the alarm went off. Strange.

I was lying there with a half hour to myself wondering what to do with it. Should I go back to sleep, do yoga, finish my cards, post pictures or just get a head start? I contemplated it for a good 24 minutes. Indecision at its best! Then I decided to just go post Nate's b-day pics. Yeah! That's the ticket.

I wrap up in my robe, grab the camera off the kitchen counter and head for the basement. Brrr. It is cold down here. Then I realized that the cord thingy has not been unpacked yet. I actually don't know where it is at all. Go figure. :) No pics. Sorry.

I was going to make cute little thank yous out of a few, but I guess that won't happen now. It will cause me to be even later on cards. Oh well, generic ones will have to work this time, as they have every other time. :)

Well, have a good time doing whatever you are doing today. I'm off to start my day.

72 Hour Packs!

Yay! I have a hairband. Thank you, Crista! Whew! I know you were all worried.

Okay, I've been following Jennie for a bit and I've gotten on board with her preparedness program. Specifically, the 72 hr kits. We've been saying for YEARS that we need to get one of these together and I've decided that we will do it this year.

I like to try to not think about things like tornadoes, hurricanes, ice storms and terror attacks, but the truth is that they have all happened right here. So, rather than get caught with my pants down, I think I'll pack up a few things. After all, we have our kids to think about, not just us.

So, resolve to be prepared in 2009! Prepared for what? Whatever you can stomach. For me? I'll stick with a power outage. :) Doesn't seem so bad.

Hairband, Hairband, I MISS YOU!

I tell ya what! I'm a serious creature of habit and when I do something out of the ordinary, its all over.

So, I jumped in the shower this morning and scrubbed as quickly as I could. Marc told me that we'd need to scrape our windshields this morning and being formerly spoiled by parking in an EMPTY garage, it hadn't occurred to me. So, I was worried I would be late.

In my haste to get ready this morning I neglected to put a hairband on my wrist. There is ALWAYS a hairband on my wrist, except when I am in the shower and, of course, when it is in use.

I ran out of the house to find that my sweetie had scraped my car for me. Thanks again, honey. I hopped in my car and headed off to work. There was a traffic jam at one of my regular intersections, which took out any possibility of Starbucks this morning. Boo! I got to work right on time, sat down at my desk, went to put my hair up and found no hairband. :( My only hope is Rachel. She might have a spare. Isn't it funny how little things like that can make you sad? Of course, if it is just me, it didn't bother me at all. :)

Tonight is the beginning of American Idol. I love the opening shows. They are so funny. I used to watch all of the episodes, but I've gotten bored over the last three or four season and watch if I'm around. We have a DVR now so, I might catch them all. We'll see.

Speaking of DVR, WOW! See, this is why I never wanted to get it. I'm afraid I'm going to turn into a couch potato. My friends tell me that it will actually make me more active because I won't worry about missing a show. Folks, I don't worry about that. Well, okay, I guess I have to watch 'Desperate Housewives' every week. Don't ask me why! I watch almost everything on Bravo, but they repeat episodes 900 times and I eventually get caught up. I love their Saturday marathons! If only I could sit on my butt one Saturday and just watch Bravo reruns all day long and eat. WOW! THAT is like vacation to me.

Before I go, I have to suggest that you try Dove's Invigorating body wash. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff. I actually use the bars. I was passing by and smelled something soooo good. I had to immediately sniff it out and buy it. This stuff smells so wonderful. I think it is lemongrass and grapefruit. YUMMY! I smell it all day. I'm hooked!

Oh and I had to give into the zits! I purchased Proactiv for the first time over the holiday. It kicked my face at first, but once I got the frequency down, I quite like it. Yay! The blackheads and gunk are going away! Hip! Hip! Hooray!

Have a Sa-Weet Tuesday!

Happy Happy Birthday, Baby!

Little Natey Nate! You are one! I cannot believe it! You are the sweetest little pumpkin boy ever! You are my heaven! We love you and are so happy you picked us!

We had a little b-day party for the Natester this weekend. It was a wonderful weekend. The fam came up to celebrate and a few close friends in the area. Thank you everyone for coming to show your love for Nate! :)

I have pics to post from the party, but, of course, they will have to wait. :) I actually can get to our computer at home. I just never want to sit in front of one when I'm there. Hmm...wonder why? :)

I have to make a note of a few things:

-During the party, we noticed that Sydney and her friend, Trinity, had gotten awfully quiet upstairs. This, of course, is never a good sign. So, Marc went to check on them and found the bedroom door closed. When he opened it, he found two NAKED little girls running around the room playing "booty shots" with Syd's doctor kit. Oh my. These two girls have been together at school for the last two and half years and they are the epitome of BFFs. They hug each other furiously every Monday and talk about each other constantly. Turns out they have something new in common, they both reject clothing! :)

-This morning Syd informed me that Nathan won. Hmm? She explained that "when you are one, you are WON" and "Yay! Nathan! Good job!" Um-okay. :)

Happy Monday! Wow! Already? I've got to run to get the week started. Have a great day!

The Bright Side

It is no secret that I dislike the new digs. TEMPORARY digs. So, this morning I decided that I needed to start looking on the bright side and not judge the place so harshly. Here is a BRIEF list of pros to the place:

The poo bag/garbage bin is right across the street. Very convenient.

No one can see me running around naked in the morning when I'm upstairs. Yay blinds!

The kitchen sitting area was so small we had to relocate the tv...to our room. Hmm...it was awfully nice watching Desperate on Sunday in bed.

The light in our room may be a dining room fixture (Can we say ghetto?), BUT it is very bright! :) Sure makes getting up easier.

The cabinets in the kitchen are plentiful. If I were unpacking everything, I think I'd have room for all and then some.

I like having two linen closets (one in the hall and one in my room), even if they are half shelves.

Sydney's room is much bigger than her old room so she actually has room to play in it.

The steeper stairs are giving my legs a workout. Who needs a stair stepper?!

The water gets hotter than at the old house. LOVE THAT!

The ceilings are high.

The coat closet door doesn't stick. My old one stuck.

Hmm..okay. That is about it right now. Once we get more organized, I'll be able to name a few more things. I'm sure of it!

Hope you are having a great day! Happy Friday!

Gettin' Back In

I'm having a hard time, as you know, getting back into the swing of things. Especially when Sydney professes to me the other night that she dislikes her new room and wants her OLD room back. IKES! I certainly can understand that one! :)

I slept all night last night for the first time since we've moved. In fact, I slept right through my alarm or maybe I didn't set it. Thankfully, Marc took charge and sent me on my way so that I wouldn't be late. Thanks, babe! This was especially important since I ended up leaving early yesterday to take Mr. Nathan to the doctor.

Yep, double ear infections...AGAIN! Poor little guy will be just like his sister in that they both will have ear infections on their b-days. Nate is better off since his was discovered a few days before instead of the actual day. Keepin' my fingers crossed that the antibiotics work quickly. He's a pretty sad little guy right now. :(

The stovetop should be fixed today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that one too. After that, we should be back to "normal." It has been quite unusual this week being without a stovetop and microwave. I didn't think I used the microwave that much, but I do. It is more of a pain to reheat things, especially without a stovetop. :) Luckily I got an electric skillet for Christmas last year and it has come in handy, more than usual.

Well, I'm off to find something to eat. Again, I'm starving. I'm not sure what is going on lately, but I just want to eat eat eat. :) It is probably because I was actually fairly physical and am burning calories. :) Oh, I wish I had a few glazed doughnuts right now. MMMM!

Happy day!
Jess

A New Day

So, as of 4:30pm yesterday afternoon, we are no longer homeowners. I was expecting to only sign the Hud and a Deed. I surprised we were there for a half hour and a half hour is a long time to sit at a table trying not to cry. It is only temporary. I have to keep reminding myself of that right now. We are fortunate our home sold so quickly and I need to start moving forward. There really is no sense in being so sad when really nothing sad has happened. It is just the turning of a page.

I had a fitful sleep last night. I'm still getting used to the new noises of the transition house and Nate was a bit fussy last night. Oh and Madison decided at 3am that she needed a potty break. She NEVER did that at the old house. I think she's just doing rounds for now.

The faucet in the kitchen is finally fixed, after six hours of work. What an expensive fix for the homeowner! That guy charged $875! He did an awful lot of work. I'm convinced this homeowner could care less about the property from what I've seen. Thankfully it all happened in the early days so that we won't be blamed for it.

On to happier subjects! Nathan is turning 1 on Sunday. I cannot believe it! Time really flies. I know I say that all the time. We are going to have a little b-day party for him on Saturday. Since we just moved, we will just have pizza or I might pick up sandwich trays. Please! That would be sufficient even if we hadn't just moved. :) Marc laughs that we will have plenty of seating with the boxes scattered about. What more could you ask for?

Well, I'm off to check my email. It is raining and grey here, BUT I picked up Starbucks this morning. Starbucks can remedy almost any glum mood! :)

Thank You, Agent!

Thank you to the Buyer's Agent. You heard how upset I was over the prospect of me giving up the mirror my mother gave me and offered to buy a new mirror for your "a-hole" clients. That was so very sweet of you and I appreciate it more than you know. You agreed that their request was heartless and ridiculous. Thank you for going out of your way for strangers and admitting that the Buyers are jerks.

Lower Than Low-WARNING NOT A HAPPY POST!

So, we moved this past week. What a job! It was extremely emotional and I wish I could say I was happy about the whole thing, but today, I'm not. That home was the home we started our family in, the home where my puppy lived out his last days and our first home together. So, I'm sad.

On top of being sad, I'm mad. I'm mad that I have to go somewhere new that isn't painted the way I want. I am ticked I have to give up my custom closets, order fixtures and plates, flower beds, compost and extra fridge. I don't care if I can recreate all of it later, I want it back! I want all of it back! To top it off, the bastards are making me bring my picture mirror back to settlement. My mother gave it to me and they don't even care! Have you no heart?! Seriously. I am a person of law and order and whatever, but I wasn't a bitch to you! I cleaned that house from top to bottom when the contract said "broom swept!" It is called common decency you piece of crap! I would be happy to replace the mirror with something comparable, but that isn't good enough, a $100 you say? NOT TODAY! Why? I've been nickeled and dimed to death over this move between the deposits and repairmen and whatever, I'm done!

All of this is supposed to work out for the greater good. Finally a chance to score a single family home for us! That is the goal and we are halfway there. Right?

I'm supposed to be happy, but I'm not. I'm sentimental and I'm not taking this move well. NOT. AT. ALL!

New Homeowners-we had a wonderful almost five years in that home. I hope it sucks for you! I hope every time you look into that mirror, you see what heartless and cruel people you are! I also hope everything in that house breaks! JERKS! Reap what you sow!