Blowing Barbie

Ok, well, 35 is well on it's way. Here I am *wishing* that I was a better blogger.

Oooops, shouldn't have told you that. Damn.

Back from Bloggy staycation and "More Consistent Blogger" coming to a theater near you.

Eyebrow Seamstress

First off, I am sorry that 1.) my posts have been so scant and 2.) that they will again be about hair .

I have recently discovered (funny, how this is an ancient technique, yet, I just realized where to get it done) eyebrow threading. It is incredible.

If any of you actually know know me, you know that I have thick and bushy eyebrows that are maintained and manicured by waxing and tweezing. Tedious, and painful. I discovered threading at the mall of all places, a kiosk in fact. A pretty little east Indian lady was sitting there, threading another lady's eyebrows. It was fascinating. She looked like a slow, human sewing machine. Both her hands and her mouth were used to pluck these hairs. I was intrigued. I hovered over the other lady (who had her eyes closed so she was unaware) and wanted it done on my eyebrows.

I sat in the chair ready for it and realized early on that I was going to be doing this from now on. Not only is the pain less than tweezing, but also better than the brusk act of waxing. When she was done with my brows, she asked (politely) if I like (the mess we call) my upper lip done too, I said "yes, please". It was precision personified. She dealt with each hair, but pulled it in a manner that somehow didn't really hurt. When I looked at the mirror she handed me, I was throughly impressed and very happy with the results. It had dawned on me that I hadn't asked her the price yet. I mean, whatever it was I would have to pay it now, but I asked her anyhow. Do you know that it was cheaper than my waxing salon???????? $10 for brows and $5 for upper lip.

Anyhow, I am sold and I thought I'd share.

Here is an example of what I speak of.

Take 2

Well, you all remember my post baby body break up right? Well.....we didn't completely break it off like I said I had. I was ashamed to admit it but the constant emails, texts, flowers (cookie bouquets of course) and all out reconciliation attempts finally got to me. We got back to together.

But, I am here to say that we have broken up for good this time. For reals. She has moved on to someone who really appreciates her and needs her (someone who doesn't know what a drag she really is yet). Someone else, not me.

What am I doing to remind myself that what we had together was just an illusion, a mirage, a downright downer you ask?????.........roller derby boot camp of course.

Yes, tonight I begin exercising with the Machete Betties. 2 hours of hard hitting fun. I will learn basic skating skills and derby skills such as falls, stops, and contact. I am in for a raucous good time, I just know it. I will need skates, pads (elbow, knee, and wrist), and a helmet. Doesn't that just scream fun?

Anyhow, I am going to try it out and try to get in shape with these gals.

Don't they look sweet?

If I don't make it back to the blog, you know what happened.

Clown Bear Escentuals

You see the commercials, you see them at the cosmetic counter, you see them at target, you see them on your friends......so you give it a try.

Am I the only one who does not know how to actually wear mineral makeup? I find that no matter how minuscule the amount that I manage to pick up with my brush, I end up looking like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show. Not only is it difficult to put on for me but it leaves a hell of a mess on the counter, sink and my clothes. I like the concept and I appreciate how concentrated the product is, but, let's face it, operator error.

So what does a girl in the 2000s do to get educated about a subject? Class? Yes, you in the back? Exactly, get a Youtube tutorial.




Ahhhh, I should swirl it in.

Massage, Mani/Pedi and an MRI

You read right. M. R. I. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. I had one this morning. Not for anything too scandalous, just to figure out the vertigo I have been feeling as of late. (the above picture is not of me, even though, I did need to go get my facial hair waxed).

It. was. fabulous. I know I sound psychotic, but, I have not been this relaxed in a long time. After the prep, it was all smooth sailing.

I removed my nose ring, earrings, and ring ring. I was covered with a nice cozy and soft blanket and I had to lay completely still on this sliding table thingee. My forehead was strapped down and was instructed to "not move, or breathe too deeply". If I moved, they would have to start again. I was told the first one would be for 25 minutes and then they would pull me out of the machine and inject me with gadolinium (a contrast material to help see the issues better) and then put me back in for ten. I was then handed ear plugs to help keep the noises that whirr around you lowly. Finally, I was handed this button to press if I completely wigged out.

I asked all of the pertinent questions 1. "well when you say move do you mean like move move?" he answered, "if you need to move, you can move your big toe, slightly", 2."can I blink?" he answered "softly", 3."What if I need to cough?" he answered "swallow gently", 4."an itch?" he answered "tough titties" (he really didn't), he said I would have to "weigh out the consequences of scratching", 5."how long is this going to be again?" 25 for the first one, injection then 10", 6. "will it hurt?" he said "no". Then he asked "ahem, can we get started"?

Strapped in, arms crossed (with panic bulb in them), feeling cozy, we started. I immediately closed my eyes and started to hear all sorts of noises. They were like humming, knocking and low vibrations. Can you say "sleepy time". I was being shushed to sleep. I knew I didn't want to sleep b/c of the fear of snoring or twitching or moving but I also knew I could be alert and waiting b/c the 25 minutes would drag on. So I hovered in the weirdest, most relaxing little place. I let my mind float around and I ran through all sorts of lists and situations and scenarios. I watched my breathing but allowed myself to go from thought to thought. It was quiet, cool, I was still. It was so relaxing. After becoming a mother, these moments are so few and far between. Listen to how relaxed I was that he peers in to the machine and says to me, "I will be pulling you out now but DO NOT MOVE. I will inject you and place you back in". I didn't answer him or nod or really anything. I was pulled out, vein was found, needle put in, eyes tightened a smidgen, and I was placed right back into the vessel. 10 more minutes and voila, done. I was so relaxed. He said I did great and the pictures were "great and very clear". I was happy to hear. And relaxed.

So, next mothers day, ask for the mani/pedi/MRI special. If you're like me, you'll be happy you did.

Oompa Loompa's Pyramid

Ever since I started at G spot (a mere week ago), I have taken this new view on the food groups. Incredible how I have been able to incorporate chocolate in them all throughout my day. I work a couple of evenings a week (I started a freakin' week ago). I have managed to taste many flavors and to take home the fruit that they will discard.

It's not just me, but Athena has had a chocolate covered strawberry for breakfast everyday this week. What sort of chocolate elitist am I raising here? *sigh*

My pyramid looks a little something like this.......

Protein-Macadamia Mosaic, and Almond Bark
Dairy-Caramel Embrace (and it sure does feel like a hug)
Vegetable-Pumpkin spice Truffles
Fruit-Chocolate dipped Strawberries, Key lime truffle, mixed berry basket, and glazed apricots.

I *think* the top of the pyramid says Fats, Oils, and Sweets, Don't Spare Usage.

Lord, please let me tire of chocolate soon.

If not, there will be a spare tire embracing my middle.

Please?

Pretty Please?

With a Cherry Cordial on top?

New J.O.B.

As most of you know (especially the oldies but goodies), I applied, interviewed, accepted and started a part time job at Godiva Chocolatier last night. Needless to say that I romanticized this idea, to the hilt. I said, "I will be working a couple of nights (6-9pm) a week, mingling with customers, talking about truffles and having some 'adult time'".

WTF was wrong with me? It is a job. However you slice it.

I got there and was greeted by two (mental note *do not give blog address to coworkers*) aprons named "Da Homey" (yep, I'll wait.) and Ginnifer. I was "taught" (I use this word loosely) how to tie ribbons on boxes, food safety rules (you know, gloves on, gloves off), how to sort chocolate, where the garbage was, and where the stock room was.

Where was my mingling with customers, my guffawing with truffle jokes, my discussions about technique and origin, my personal favorites disclosures, where was the hype I had created?

I was asking so. many. questions. (I am VERY INQUISITIVE by nature. This is the primary reason for having become a psychotherapist in the first place...people pay me to ask questions?....where is the sign up sheet?) I got this weird look from them. Like..."why the hell are you asking so many questions lady....it is a JOB". I then made the mistake to ask an apron why she decided to work there. She shrugs her shoulders and said, "they were hiring" and "I like sweets so I applied". Ok, fair enough.

I think they hate me. I made the analogy earlier to some friends about me being that older lady in the front row in your college classes. You know the one. The one that answers all of the questions the teacher asks, does the extra credit, optional readings, etc. I use this analogy not b/c I am old but b/c I have that second wind. I have grown to have work ethic and to care about what I am doing. I have also "chosen" to work. So, yep, they hate me.

Anyhow, I won't bore you about the rest of my night. I did however have quite the smile as I was mopping the floor thinking that the lady who cleans my house just did this today. I wasn't even going to tell my husband about this. I guess it's too late now. I think he reads this jibberish :)

I know this was only the disillusion of my "idea" of how it would go. I do look forward to working again believe it or not. I enjoyed being looked at like a real woman and not just a mother and all of the assumptions that are rolled into that. I do look mighty cute in that apron if I may say so myself. Oh wait, it's my blog, I can :)

I do have to say that it was all made better when I was handed a tray of chocolate dipped strawberries upon my "shift ending" because they were going to throw them away because they were there for 6 hrs. Um. Yes, please.

This really takes the cake.....or the potatoes.

When I first had children I never realized how having them could change every fiber and facet of my being. It changed me physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, perceptually, and thoroughly. So many aspects and habits and rituals changed for me, for us. Today though, really takes the cake. I am impressed or ashamed, even for me.

I have two daughters. They are in two car seats. When we arrive at a place...any place, it is a big deal. I either wear the little one and grab the big one's hand, or both go in the shopping cart, one goes in the basket and one in the cart, well you get all of the variations of this combo. The point always remains the same though, it is a hassle to do it, so you better make your car exit count. Well, I am foreshadowing a bit, but I would like to add some background history. I went grocery shopping two days ago. I got everything I needed. So I thought.

Apparently the potatoes at my house were growing sprouts. We use them mostly for that curry dish that we adore. Michael had specifically asked me to make it for dinner because he had a hankering for the dish. As a good domestic goddess *cough*bullshit*cough*, I oblige. Well, there weren't any potatoes for our dish. I said, "forget it, I'll go to the grocery store with the girls".

We go out and meet some friends at a park and we have a picnic and have a great time. I over extend the girls b/c we are having said fun. As any parent knows, your child could be the carefree, happy go lucky, commercial child and then turn on you. A complete 180 degree turn, in a flash. This, my friends is exactly what happened. Both girls lost their shit in the car on the way home. It dawned to me to stop at the store to pick up the damned potatoes, but, then I QUICKLY talked myself out of it.

Do you know what I did instead?

I drove through Wendy's and picked up 4 baked potatoes for the dish. 4 of them. Not only did I pay 1840's Irish prices for them at $1.29 a piece!!!! but I couldn't actually believe I was doing it. I was quite chuffed with myself and I immediately thought of how I needed to blog about it. I needed to confess and purge myself of this.

1 potato, 2 potato, 3 potato......Frosty?

Happy Thursday Y'all,

Be back next week for thousand word thursday :)

Go Diva!

5 Benefits of Dark Chocolate

• Studies have shown dark chocolate to lower blood pressure
• Studies have also shown dark chocolate to lower bad cholesterol (LDL)
• It turns women on more than a passionate kissing session (no wonder they want it for Valentine's Day!)
• Contains serotonin, a natural mood-boosting anti-depressant
• Stimulates pleasure-inducing endorphin production

Reading this you say.....how can this be true? How could the oompa loompas and Willy been right all along? Really, this list triggers a bunch of questions right?

Well let me share a story that will show you how truly committed I am to my health.

I was at our fabulous mall the other day. I was with a girlfriend and just strolling in and out of stores. It was nice, I had only one of the daughters that I heart with me so it was quite manageable. We meandered into the chocolatier named Godiva. What a great place; it smells and looks divine. The truflles are precisely placed within the glass case with the utmost of care, making them look more like jewelry and less like "just" chocolate. The gold boxes and ribbons strewn about are very inviting and just scream luxury and decadence. I start to chat it up with the sales girl and and begin to discuss chocolate and flavors and the such. All of a sudden (don't know if it was the endorphins running amuck), almost as if it was an out of body experience I ask her "are you hiring"? She smiles and says, "why, yes we are". She continues and says "only for part time though. I am looking for someone just a couple of nights a week". I smile wider and say "may I have an application please?" I take it and put it in my purse. As I walk out of the store, I realize that I could potentially be working there.

I get called for an interview the day I turn in my application. I excitedly agree and set up the time. I get dressed for the interview and try to get my head around what questions they will be asking. Thoughts run through my head...I have not worked for the past 4 years,....when I did work it was in mental health and in management....I only worked retail for a few years in college. I feel like I am a bit rusty. I go to the interview anyway.

We were enthralled in conversation and the interview felt like it was going great. I didn't realize how many many skills are transferrable. I also had to use examples from Mommy groups and Blazing Cheesecakes to complement my "tell me a time when you..." examples.

We wind down our convo, she seems happy with the way it went, she asked other pertinent questions like availability and stuff. I say that I am willing to work a couple of nights a week. I start to think that Michael will have to do the dinner/nighttime routine by himself and then I feel bad for him. Then I quickly remember that I would be missing out on the chaos and fun. Then I remember that I will be missing out on the chaos and fun.

I hope I get the job ;) It will be fun to mindlessly sell chocolate and all of the benefits of it :) Of all of my ideas though, I do find this to be one of my most awesome, brilliant, and superb AND moronic, nonsensical, and imbecilic ones. Being around chocolate, and not just any chocolate, Godiva chocolate. Tasting and "training" on all the different types and flavors. Sampling, "learning".

I should have found a job at the gym, or nutrisystem or Jenny Craig.

Oh well, IF I get the job, I will surely let you all know how it is going.

What'd you do today???????

This is an article (more like dear abby style) that was written in the Washington Post in 2007. I dedicate it to all of my childless friends (that I adore) in hopes that they understand how all encompassing all of this hearting two girls really is. Contrary to popular belief, I don't just got to playgroups and Chuck E. Cheese (as they seem to assume I do). So, even though I do not want to use the girls as an excuse, if I do not write, call or communicate more often...feel secure in the fact that it ain't you sister, it's me.

TELL ME ABOUT IT ®

By Carolyn Hax
Wednesday, May 23, 2007; C10

Carolyn:

Best friend has child. Her: exhausted, busy, no time for self, no time for me, etc. Me (no kids): Wow. Sorry. What'd you do today? Her: Park, play group . . .

Okay. I've done Internet searches, I've talked to parents. I don't get it. What do stay-at-home moms do all day? Please no lists of library, grocery store, dry cleaners . . . I do all those things, too, and I don't do them EVERY DAY. I guess what I'm asking is: What is a typical day and why don't moms have time for a call or e-mail? I work and am away from home nine hours a day (plus a few late work events) and I manage to get it all done. I'm feeling like the kid is an excuse to relax and enjoy -- not a bad thing at all -- but if so, why won't my friend tell me the truth? Is this a peeing contest ("My life is so much harder than yours")? What's the deal? I've got friends with and without kids and all us child-free folks get the same story and have the same questions.

Tacoma, Wash.

Relax and enjoy. You're funny.

Or you're lying about having friends with kids.

Or you're taking them at their word that they actually have kids, because you haven't personally been in the same room with them.

Internet searches?

I keep wavering between giving you a straight answer and giving my forehead some keyboard. To claim you want to understand, while in the same breath implying that the only logical conclusions are that your mom-friends are either lying or competing with you, is disingenuous indeed.

So, since it's validation you seem to want, the real answer is what you get. In list form. When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed, clean, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces the kind of checkout-line screaming that gets the checkout line shaking its head.

It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15.

It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier.

It's constant scrutiny and second-guessing from family and friends, well-meaning and otherwise. It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.

It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything -- language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything.

It's also a choice, yes. And a joy. But if you spent all day, every day, with this brand of joy, and then, when you got your first 10 minutes to yourself, wanted to be alone with your thoughts instead of calling a good friend, a good friend wouldn't judge you, complain about you to mutual friends, or marvel how much more productively she uses her time. Either make a sincere effort to understand or keep your snit to yourself.

Three Way Mirrors.....yea or nay?

There are truly some great arguments, some pros and cons, some good discussion about being able to see yourself in all angles.

We should because.....

1. We can see how our hair looks. Whether it is flat or there is a cow lick.

2. We can see how our ass looks. Whether it is flat or looks like a cows rump.

3. We can see how our back fat looks. Oh yeah, didn't see that when you were getting ready at home with your simple little mirror didja?

4. We can see how people see us in line, walking away from them, walking past them, getting up from our seats, etc.

5. We get a total picture of your being. Wow, that was deep.

We shouldn't because......

1. All of the above reasons. and....

2. We would become obsessed with looking at every aspect of our figure and how we move and how are hair lays and yadda yadda.

3. We would dance around and see how you look doing it. Oh, is that only me who does that?

4. It would take MORE time to get ready then it already does.

5. Finally, you probably would not leave the house.

All of these discoveries came after a recent trip to my dope dealer...er...I mean Target. I went in (ready for this?) with a couple of bikinis to try on for summer. I was taking the mature route and thought I could try these on early and assess the sitch.

Why oh why did I do this? I was feeling good about myself and my new found gym effort. I had broken up with my post baby bod and thought this was a thing of the past. Well, my post baby bod REARED it's ugly head again, in the three way mirror no less. I was like, who is in here with me? I fear my post baby bod texted me. I was going to text back, but I resisted.

I walked out like if I had just seen a live execution.

I pacified myself and said "It's ok Bar-b. It's early. And we are not getting back together, even if it is Valentine's Day on Saturday"

Like I mentioned earlier, I think the mirrors can be used for good and for evil. I will return to target's fitting room after I rent, eat, and digest Buns of Steel thankyouverymuch.

What do you all think of the three way mirror? Friend or foe?

In. Genious.

I feel like I have won a prize or something. I do. I have come across the most obvious answer to my prayers. Firstly, How many of you (mommas, especially stay at home ones) do not get to shower everyday? Can I get an Amen sisters???? It never seems to be the right time to. Someone is either up from nap, about to go nap, in the backyard, wanting to eat, wanting to stop eating, potty training, wanting a new dvd put in or out, etc. Even when I do get to the shower it is lightning fast and I usually forget to shave, or exfoliate or condition long enough. Need I go on?

So showers are left for when they go to sleep at night. The problem here is that I need to wash my hair when I bathe. that means I would need to blow dry it before bed and that just takes up too much time when I could be doing something else. I am also in bed by 9:30pm. Call me what you will but I have to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the glee club at 7am. Second question... do any of you go to the gym?? Yes, I know a lot of you do (and if you don't now, you will after you read this). I go MWF when I drop off the big kid at her pre-school. Thirdly (I promise I am going somewhere with this), how many of you put your kids in the gym nursery included with your membership?

Ok, so do you see where I am headed?

First answer + Second answer + Third answer = (wait for it) A peaceful, unbothered, shower at the gym with no one tugging at the curtain or calling for you or wanting to jump in and say things like "feels like rain momma".

This is truly a new discovery for me. I have been a gym goer for years and I have never felt the need to shower at there. I was always like "gross, why would I when I could just come home and do it there". Well, the answer is BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T HAVE CHILDREN THEN, BRAINIAC.

Best part is, you've showered and blow dried in peace, your kid is happy as a clam in high tide in the nursery, and you are revved and ready to go. You will be looking good, presentable and fresh on your rounds...target, grocery store, playgroup, coscto, home. rinse and repeat.

So there, you all can take this idea and run (or use the elliptical) with it too.

Aye, Potty Training Matey

I have to start by saying that we attempted potty training 4 months ago (read it here). Got all the accoutrements for the deed. Did it for one day and then said "forget about it". Fast forward to November. Athena turns three. She should be moving up to the class above her in her school.....she can't because she isn't potty trained (insert shamed emoticon here). I choose to wait until after Thanksgiving, Xmas, Family Visiting, and Saylor's birthday...Needless to say she is now 3.16 and we need to finally get her trained. I start to think well what will I do, how will I do it and who is going to tell me how. I start to look online and find this guaranteed "3 day potty training" technique. I am excited, I am intrigued, I am sold. I mean I have heard of people starting when their child is two and they are doing it up until three! This was the main reason why I didn't start earlier, I didn't want to be doing it forever. I had also had Saylor and wasn't in the mood. The problem is that now it was affecting Athena and her learning, soooooo after having said all that I still wait and procrastinate about forking out the money for it (a mere drop in the bucket but I still procrastinate).

Cue in accomplice. I am talking to my friend (who shall remain nameless) about my brainiac and how she desperately needs to be in a different classroom. She looks to her left and to her right and then says to me in a hushed tone "I have a copy of that training manual that another mom gave me...do you want it?" I say "Ahoy Matey, I do! A pirated copy of the training manual is all the booty I be needin'...Arrrrrrg".

I bring it home, read it over and realize I need to get Michael involved. I say to him "read this" thump. He obliges. We are now ready to do this.

Cue in 3 day weekend (coincidence? I think not.) Saturday morning we do what the lady tells us, and we are now in. We are in this 'till the end. We were homebound FOR THREE COMPLETE DAYS. No car rides, no going outside, no having friends and distractions around. We (either michael or I) sat next to Athena all. day. long. and played, read, puzzled, colored, whatever....as long as it was near her and we had to repeat the same thing to her over and over and over again. The forgotten one (aka..Saylor)was fine. She just watched as we obssessed over the damn potty the entire weekend (long at that).

Do you know what?

She was potty trained...in three days. It is an intense three days, but, if you are committed and consistent, you WILL have a potty trained toddler (or preschooler in our case).
Our daughter is incredible and because this technique involves purely positive reinforcement it was a real pleasure for her and therefore for us.

There you have it folks. The skinny on our experience with potty training Athena.

I really could go on and on about the incredibly funny weekend we've had with her and how she reacted to all sorts of stuff coming out of her, but, I will save it for your imagination and save the potty mouthed tales for another time. For those of you who read this blog that don't have kids, you are missing out on great material ;)

Oh and the answer is Yes. To what you ask? Only if you are asking the question do you understand the answer.

It's Me, Not you.

Dear Post Baby Body,

I want to start by saying that I appreciate you having been here with me. You housed my Athena and Saylor before they were born, birthed them (we don't need to go into details as to how you accomplished that) and fed them when they arrived and months there after. You did this all yourself and I look to you with astonishment, amazement and reverence. I thank you.

I am, however, starting to realize that you...... sort of cramp my style. I don't mean that in a bad way, but, I have come to the realization that I don't want you to live here anymore. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad, but, really, you've overstayed your welcome.

I will give you ample time to get your "things"......you know.....the flabby middle, the wider/saggier ass, the untoned arms, and please don't forget to look in the back there and get your back fat....thanks. Call me a romantic but, please leave the stretchmarks.....I don't want to totally forget you and that we were an item.

Listen, no hard feelings right?. I want you to go and know that you and I had some good years together and our memories will last a lifetime. Please forgive yourself, and me, for any 'mistakes' we made along the way... and remember that we both have grown immensely through being together (me a little more than I would have liked even)...but the time has come to move on.

Farwell. See ya...wouldn't want to be ya.

Love,
Bar-b

PS....Don't let the door hitcha where the dog bitcha.

"Where there's a will, there an A"

Remember that infomercial?

Anyhow, it is time to play a game. My blog bud Aubrey at Fam Five tagged me to play this game (actually I think I volunteered) along with her. RULES-She randomly assigns me one of the magnificient 26 letters of the alphabet and I have to then post TEN of my favorite things/words that start with that letter. I was secretly hoping for an X or Q so I could use my grey matter but then I realized that I don't really favor Quills, Quolls, or Quails, or Xrays, Xanax (wait....), or Xavier for that matter so then I sighed relief when I recieved the Flagship letter A!!!!!!!!!!

Here goes....

1. alive, being it is pretty nice ;)
2. attraction to Michael
3. affability (am I making up words)
4. aspirations
5. areolas, mine, glad to have them back after nursing
6. awesomeness (who doesn't?)
7. A1 sauce
8. amazon.com
9. Athena
10. Another perfect daughter :)

If you want to play let me know and I will assign you a letter too!!!!!!!

Shhhh, It's Date Night

When I drive with both girls we usually take turns with choosing songs on the radio. One for Athena and one for Momma. Well, "wheels on the bus goes round and round" was coming to end and I knew it would be my turn next (so sad no?)

I was mindfully listening to NPR on my way around town and caught an invitation to all to an event at our city's urban park in downtown. I was way intrigued, especially when the smooth talking radio host said it was a FrREEEeeeEEeEEeEeeEEE event. You know these are my favorite events of all ;) I called our trusty little babysitter and set it up. Friday night date was well on it's way. What was I all jazzed about you ask??????? Well...let me show you....

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Yes, the 1925 silent movie, Phantom of the Opera was playing on a beautifully landscaped lawn, while the Houston Symphony played the original musical score. It was a chilly (cover your eyes Canadian and Midwestern friends) 72 degrees and we laid out on perfect grass on a cozy blanket. It was really really cool! You'd be surprised how into the movie we really got. I think the live music and the fact that you really had to pay attention to the expressions and gestures of the actors made it more compelling.

Michael and I had a really nice night and topped it off with Moons over my Hammy at Denny's. I only really remember (vaguely) what Denny's pancakes taste like at 4am. Ahhhh, married bliss ;)

A blink, a flash, a nanosecond

How does this......

............turn into this?

See this face? This is the face of my new THREE year old. Even though she doesn't officially turn three until 8:10pm...we'll go ahead and celebrate early :)

Happy Birthday Boober, Scoopy, Bo! Happiest 3rd birthday.

We are so proud to be your parents!

Excitement, optimism, hope, elation, warmth, emotion, motivation, urge, and pride is what I woke up to this morning. Watched Obama's victory speech with my new 3 year old on my lap on her birthday.

Love,

Bar-b

Whine and Cheese

Welcome to Bitchfest 2008. As most of you know I am a very positive person (sarcastic and snarky yes, but super optimistic and positive nonetheless) and I don't usually whine and groan about much. So, I felt it was time to get stuff off of my chest once and for all. These ten things run the gamut and are random.

• Houses with Christmas decorations already...no, don't adjust your screen....you heard right, houses with Christmas decorations already.
• Why does my book club have to choose brand new books to read that only come in hardback and a $25-$30 price tag? Not going to it this month out of principle.
• Athena's pre-school watching the clock for pick up. Your going to charge me after school program rate ($10). Really? for 3 minutes? hmph.
• Having to be 3 years old by Sept. 1st to be considered for a program that my brainiac would totally excel in. Sooooooo, kindergarten at 6 years old? Had I known I would have.....oh wait, right she was a surprise.
• Having to input an email address for everything you do, or having to become a member of something just to view pictures or respond.
• Those life like dolls they sell that look so real and they market them and say things like.....anatomincally correct???????? Can someone please tell me what these are used for. Actually, don't.
• Those people on craigslist? The ones that don't know what SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY means.
• When people make crafts, signs or cakes and have bad handwriting or things end up crooked.
• I cannot wait for Nov 4th to come and go already. All of these advertisements and freakin' emails have me batty.
• Why deos Saylor have to play with cords, sockets, wires, the CPU and our flatscreen tv. Why not the einstein crap or the fisher price nonsense? Riiiight, b/c she is 9 months old.
  
  Ahhhhh, that felt better, it truly did. So glad I did that.
  
  Oh and Happy Halloween!!!!! be back tomorrow with pictures of expensive costumes that the girls used for a total of 43 minutes tonight.
  
  oops, I let that last one slip out.

Mommy Dating

So I am out there once again.

Yes, I have begun mommy dating. On the prowl. Looking for Mommy Friends. I think it is time, I have been here for 6 months now and I think I need to get over my last Mommies (sadly enough). Any mommy friends at this point would NOT be considered on the rebound. I feel whole, I feel healthy, I am ready to commit to another Mommy or Mommies (nope, I do not live in utah).

I went on a mommy date this morning and it went well (crossing fingers). First date jitters and all and questions abound... "will she like me", "will I like her", "will I like her kid", "will my kid like her kid", "will her kid like my kid", "will my kid bite her kid", "will she be a 'talker' or a 'listener'", "will she get my humor", "will she even have humor". Many questions.

If I like her, how quickly after our playdate do I text/call her? If I don't like her how do I leave the bookstore politely? The kid! yes, we can always blame the baby. "She is so fussy I should go", or "I have to go and buy formula at the store" or "my other daughter's school just called, I have to go". This mommy dating is hard stuff. You don't want to be "that" mom but also don't want to be with "that" mom.

At the end of our date we kind of danced around the whole "so can I have your phone number?" exchange and setting up a future play date. Thoughts go through your head...Do I introduce her to my other daughter? She only has one kid so it is different as I come with "extra baggage". Do I really want to befriend a one kid momma? And the big question "could this mommy friend turn into couple friends? "Will Michael like Mr. Mommy Friend?" and the possible ways that that could go. Oh I know I am rushing into things already. I get so ahead of myself. Sigh.

Anyhow, I think it went well. There were smiles, laughing, lots of head nodding, and baby flirting going on. I think I should get an email or call soon. Right?

PDA

Nope, not that kind.

Nope, not the computer kind either.

I am talking about the old school, personal desktop assistant. I have one now courtesy of Michael's job (a little white collar crime never hurt anyone). I am so happy with it. I was actually really stoked to put it up. Michael asked me to please not put it up in the house. I guess I have to agree, it is really ugly, white and looks like the plain ones they give you at your office for your desk. I am so thrilled with it though.

I like to SEE what my day/week/month has lying in store for me. I have tried the leather bound calendars, the dollar store jobbies, the computer ones, microsoft outlook, all of them and I don't seem to get organized. I always seem to be missing some activity, event, birthday, deadline etc.

I actually dream of a big board with dry erase markers where I can put all of our names (think car dealership or nurses station) and what we got going on for the week. It is difficult to manage a household and the appts, birthdays, anniversaries, parties, playgroups etc. With this new calendar I can feel the organization and timeliness oozing out of me. Yay.

Now what was on my agenda for today? Oh yeah, "BLOGGING"- check