Jonathan just put the little girl to bed in the big girl bed that's in her room (standard twin bed) instead of in the crib.
I'm holding my breath.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
maybe she needed it more than i did
Ugh.
I took a little journey to Burger King one day this past week for lunch. I was so irritated at the lady at the first window. I heard the woman in front of me say something to her like, "I've already asked you two times!" but I didn't know what that was all about so I just pulled forward when it was my turn.
Anyway, my order was $3.20 so I gave the cashier a five and two dimes. She didn't say one word to me. Not surprising for a fast food chain these days. She gave me back a dollar and I said, "Thank you" and pulled on forward.
Wait.
I was supposed to get $2 back.
Put it in reverse. Narrowly miss hitting the car behind me. Say politely to the lady, "Ma'am, I think I was supposed to get two dollars back" holding up my $1. She quickly reaches down in the cash register drawer and pulls out another one and shoves it in my direction without saying one thing. She had an awfully sour expression on her face as I stretched as far as I could to reach the bill (I couldn't back up too much because of the car behind me) and again I said, "Thank you."
Now there is no doubt in my mind that that lady was trying to pocket my dollar. I wonder how many people at that drive through she has taken advantage of. It was hard not to drive home without being very angry.
But at least I had some darn good fries to compensate for my negative emotions.
I took a little journey to Burger King one day this past week for lunch. I was so irritated at the lady at the first window. I heard the woman in front of me say something to her like, "I've already asked you two times!" but I didn't know what that was all about so I just pulled forward when it was my turn.
Anyway, my order was $3.20 so I gave the cashier a five and two dimes. She didn't say one word to me. Not surprising for a fast food chain these days. She gave me back a dollar and I said, "Thank you" and pulled on forward.
Wait.
I was supposed to get $2 back.
Put it in reverse. Narrowly miss hitting the car behind me. Say politely to the lady, "Ma'am, I think I was supposed to get two dollars back" holding up my $1. She quickly reaches down in the cash register drawer and pulls out another one and shoves it in my direction without saying one thing. She had an awfully sour expression on her face as I stretched as far as I could to reach the bill (I couldn't back up too much because of the car behind me) and again I said, "Thank you."
Now there is no doubt in my mind that that lady was trying to pocket my dollar. I wonder how many people at that drive through she has taken advantage of. It was hard not to drive home without being very angry.
But at least I had some darn good fries to compensate for my negative emotions.
Friday, September 28, 2007
i find it interesting
I've mentioned before that I've been going somewhere to work while Julianna is in preschool most mornings. I've visited both Panera and Starbucks every day this week. While I am certainly getting more work done, I am also having to exercise great restraint. I have managed to only order one White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks and one unsweet tea from Panera even though I could have ordered much more throughout the week from both venues. I do however, feel extremely guilty using their free wireless internet without purchasing something, which is often a great excuse to load up on an unecessary high calorie beverage and/or snack.
That doesn't really compare to the guilt I felt the first day though.
Apparently, only some Starbucks are wireless hotspots. I didn't know that. I went to the first Starbucks I came to when leaving J's preschool on Tuesday. I ordered my drink, got myself comfy in a big soft chair, and set up my laptop to work. Three dollars and fifty cents later I learned that this particular Starbucks doesn't provide Internet access.
I packed up my stuff, drove not even two miles down the road to a Panera where I knew I could get free WIFI. I plopped myself down at one of the only free tables available and got roughly three hours of work done among dozens of other people doing the same. With my White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks sitting right beside me. Yeah. I've got class.
But did you know that Panera blocks the Perez Hilton site? Isn't that interesting? I used to work for a Christian private school so I know all about web filters blocking inappropriate content on the web, but I still find it odd that Panera spends the money on this. Good for my kids, but not for my procrastinating-with-celebrity-gossip nature!
Also, I find it annoying that Starbucks is so money-grubbing. I irks me how over-priced it is to begin with, but now that I know that they provide free wireless internet for up to an hour and that after that there is a charge (you must purchase a T-mobile Day Pass for more usuage) I just think they're ridiculous! Maybe next week I should purchase a few bagels from Panera and plunk myself down in the Starbucks.
That doesn't really compare to the guilt I felt the first day though.
Apparently, only some Starbucks are wireless hotspots. I didn't know that. I went to the first Starbucks I came to when leaving J's preschool on Tuesday. I ordered my drink, got myself comfy in a big soft chair, and set up my laptop to work. Three dollars and fifty cents later I learned that this particular Starbucks doesn't provide Internet access.
I packed up my stuff, drove not even two miles down the road to a Panera where I knew I could get free WIFI. I plopped myself down at one of the only free tables available and got roughly three hours of work done among dozens of other people doing the same. With my White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks sitting right beside me. Yeah. I've got class.
But did you know that Panera blocks the Perez Hilton site? Isn't that interesting? I used to work for a Christian private school so I know all about web filters blocking inappropriate content on the web, but I still find it odd that Panera spends the money on this. Good for my kids, but not for my procrastinating-with-celebrity-gossip nature!
Also, I find it annoying that Starbucks is so money-grubbing. I irks me how over-priced it is to begin with, but now that I know that they provide free wireless internet for up to an hour and that after that there is a charge (you must purchase a T-mobile Day Pass for more usuage) I just think they're ridiculous! Maybe next week I should purchase a few bagels from Panera and plunk myself down in the Starbucks.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
verbs (present participle to be exact)
Thinking:
I ordered some adorbale new family pictures to hang on the wall in our living room. Some are black and white and some are color. An even number of 8x10s and 5x7s. Hubby started hanging them last night. I sit here and look at them and they make me happy. Look at me trying to be all artistic and really just being sentimental and stuff. Yeah. I love my girl. She's very photogenic.
Planning:
My menus for the next week. Someone in my mom's group started a thread on the message boards titled "what did you have for dinner?" It has inspired me to plan the next round of meals at our house. So far I'm thinking:
What sounds good to you?
Working:
I've been trying to get caught up on work that I've been behind on since the summer. Working on an investment presentation with my dad. I've been going to a place with free WIFI (usually Panera) while the girl goes to preschool so I can get more done than when I go all the way home in between. It seems to be getting me caught up.
Eating:
Unfortunately, lots of Halloween candy. I always buy it early and then eat tons of it. Shame on me! Jules is going to be a sheep for Halloween and I've gradually been working on her costume. Hot-gluing hundreds of cotton balls to a pink sweatsuit from Target. Fun. I already bought the s'mores for our weenie roast/marshmallow roast on Halloween night.
Reading:
I'm slowly working my way through Captivating for my sorority alumni Bible Study group. Making progress on Every Man's Battle. Also reading, Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult just for fun. It's way too hard to have three books going at the same time. I think I am gonig to put down the last one for a while until I finish the others.
Avoiding:
Exercising. Especially running. A little burnt out at the moment. Will get started again soon. I promise.
Needing:
To get the oil changed in my car. To get the brakes checked and the battery checked as well. The other car needs the AC fixed. Also needing to get back to work.
I ordered some adorbale new family pictures to hang on the wall in our living room. Some are black and white and some are color. An even number of 8x10s and 5x7s. Hubby started hanging them last night. I sit here and look at them and they make me happy. Look at me trying to be all artistic and really just being sentimental and stuff. Yeah. I love my girl. She's very photogenic.
Planning:
My menus for the next week. Someone in my mom's group started a thread on the message boards titled "what did you have for dinner?" It has inspired me to plan the next round of meals at our house. So far I'm thinking:
- pork tenderloin, roasted carrots and potatoes, sauteed garlic asparagus and mushrooms
- BBQ pork chops, mashed potatoes, green peas
- chicken salad crescent rolls and homemade potato soup
- homemade chicken strips, tater tots, and asparagus bacon bundles
- bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and biscuits
What sounds good to you?
Working:
I've been trying to get caught up on work that I've been behind on since the summer. Working on an investment presentation with my dad. I've been going to a place with free WIFI (usually Panera) while the girl goes to preschool so I can get more done than when I go all the way home in between. It seems to be getting me caught up.
Eating:
Unfortunately, lots of Halloween candy. I always buy it early and then eat tons of it. Shame on me! Jules is going to be a sheep for Halloween and I've gradually been working on her costume. Hot-gluing hundreds of cotton balls to a pink sweatsuit from Target. Fun. I already bought the s'mores for our weenie roast/marshmallow roast on Halloween night.
Reading:
I'm slowly working my way through Captivating for my sorority alumni Bible Study group. Making progress on Every Man's Battle. Also reading, Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult just for fun. It's way too hard to have three books going at the same time. I think I am gonig to put down the last one for a while until I finish the others.
Avoiding:
Exercising. Especially running. A little burnt out at the moment. Will get started again soon. I promise.
Needing:
To get the oil changed in my car. To get the brakes checked and the battery checked as well. The other car needs the AC fixed. Also needing to get back to work.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
eighteen months
Dear Jules,
Unlike most other months of your life (well, except for the first couple), this month has seemed to take FOREVER! You've started preschool, started talking a mile a minute, and become very attached to mommy. I can't even remember where we were or what we were doing a month ago because life has gotten so crazy!
It has been a good month though. This month you learned to jump. Where your feet actually leave the ground. You've learned to tip-toe. You've really learned to color. (On coloring books, the couch, coffee table, and Mama's sewing machine.) You've learned to run. You've learned to turn the stove on. (Ugh.) You've almost learned to drive your Barbie Jeep. You've learned to say words as you sign them. You've learned to give Eskimo kisses. You've learned how to ask to call Da or WaWa. You've learned to say "Stop!" or "Go!" at red lights and green lights although occasionally you get them confused. I am constantly wanting to exclaim, "You're so smart!" before I remember that I shouldn't tell you that. :)
The most heart-breaking thing I've ever had to deal with was taking you to preschool and hearing your desparate cries of "Mama?! Mama!" when I left each day for the first five days. When I would pick you up you'd have a splotchy red face and would make a beeline for me at the door. I felt so horrible, guilty, and depressed each day. Now that you're finally used to going to school I am sleeping better and worrying about you less. Plus I am getting a little work done. :) You walk on in your room each day after giving me a short kiss and go about your regular routine of playing in the little kitchen. When I pick you up I can tell that you haven't been crying and you smile at me and come over to be picked up. When I ask how you day was you tell me about dancing in music and swinging on the playground. I am so glad that you seem happy with school now.
I've been trying to keep a list of all of the words you know as you learn them. I started this when you were about fifteen months old and kept meaning to post it. As time has passed the list has grown exponentially and I can't even keep up with it anymore. Just yesterday you added "dollhouse", "school", and today you added "Jules" to your regular vocabulary. There's also no mistaking that by far your favorite word/phrase is getting to be a firm "No, no, no!"
Your potty training isn't going very far. You still poop and pee on the potty, but sometimes you resist it and you regularly wet your diapers. You still sleep very good even though we're lucky these days if your nap lasts even an hour and a half.
I have the most fun watching you play these days! It's amazing how much longer you can entertain yourself now. You've started some pretend play by feeding the babydoll a bottle or spooning some "food" into Elmo's mouth. You even lay down on the pillows on the couch and pretend to sleep making "shhhhh, sssssss, shhhhh" noises.
You go for your next check up next week and we'll find out what the doctor thinks of your development. I'm not anticipating anything out of the ordinary since I know you're already perfect.
Mama held a newborn baby the other day and remembered how tiny you once were. You've come a long way, Baby. I know that you'll only grow more, but you'll always be my little DoodleBug baby and I love you more every day.
Love,
Mama
Unlike most other months of your life (well, except for the first couple), this month has seemed to take FOREVER! You've started preschool, started talking a mile a minute, and become very attached to mommy. I can't even remember where we were or what we were doing a month ago because life has gotten so crazy!
It has been a good month though. This month you learned to jump. Where your feet actually leave the ground. You've learned to tip-toe. You've really learned to color. (On coloring books, the couch, coffee table, and Mama's sewing machine.) You've learned to run. You've learned to turn the stove on. (Ugh.) You've almost learned to drive your Barbie Jeep. You've learned to say words as you sign them. You've learned to give Eskimo kisses. You've learned how to ask to call Da or WaWa. You've learned to say "Stop!" or "Go!" at red lights and green lights although occasionally you get them confused. I am constantly wanting to exclaim, "You're so smart!" before I remember that I shouldn't tell you that. :)
The most heart-breaking thing I've ever had to deal with was taking you to preschool and hearing your desparate cries of "Mama?! Mama!" when I left each day for the first five days. When I would pick you up you'd have a splotchy red face and would make a beeline for me at the door. I felt so horrible, guilty, and depressed each day. Now that you're finally used to going to school I am sleeping better and worrying about you less. Plus I am getting a little work done. :) You walk on in your room each day after giving me a short kiss and go about your regular routine of playing in the little kitchen. When I pick you up I can tell that you haven't been crying and you smile at me and come over to be picked up. When I ask how you day was you tell me about dancing in music and swinging on the playground. I am so glad that you seem happy with school now.
I've been trying to keep a list of all of the words you know as you learn them. I started this when you were about fifteen months old and kept meaning to post it. As time has passed the list has grown exponentially and I can't even keep up with it anymore. Just yesterday you added "dollhouse", "school", and today you added "Jules" to your regular vocabulary. There's also no mistaking that by far your favorite word/phrase is getting to be a firm "No, no, no!"
Your potty training isn't going very far. You still poop and pee on the potty, but sometimes you resist it and you regularly wet your diapers. You still sleep very good even though we're lucky these days if your nap lasts even an hour and a half.
I have the most fun watching you play these days! It's amazing how much longer you can entertain yourself now. You've started some pretend play by feeding the babydoll a bottle or spooning some "food" into Elmo's mouth. You even lay down on the pillows on the couch and pretend to sleep making "shhhhh, sssssss, shhhhh" noises.
You go for your next check up next week and we'll find out what the doctor thinks of your development. I'm not anticipating anything out of the ordinary since I know you're already perfect.
Mama held a newborn baby the other day and remembered how tiny you once were. You've come a long way, Baby. I know that you'll only grow more, but you'll always be my little DoodleBug baby and I love you more every day.
Love,
Mama
Monday, September 24, 2007
squee!
We went to visit some friends from college this past weekend. The visit included lots of driving, including hours in the car with an 18 month old, and the smell of an absolutely beautiful 6 week old baby. Mmmmmmm. Topics of conversation included (of course) the life changing event of having babies, mutual friends, work and well.... life. We met some other friends for dinner at PF Chang's and the little girl was so much better behaved than I had expected her to be. Especially after such an abbreviated nap.
Needless to say after working hard at a yardsale, running over six miles on Saturday morning, and all that traveling and visiting on Sunday we had an exhausting, but wonderful weekend. How are you?
Needless to say after working hard at a yardsale, running over six miles on Saturday morning, and all that traveling and visiting on Sunday we had an exhausting, but wonderful weekend. How are you?
Thursday, September 6, 2007
First Day of Preschool
*sigh*
Jules went to preschool this morning. She has recently become very clingy and started a pretty bad separation anxiety phase. I knew it would be rough. She was OK when I dropped her off - just went on in and played only hesitating once to check and see if I was still around. I cried when I left and asked where the room was for the crying mothers.
When I picked her up she was crying (along with EVERY OTHER KID IN THE ROOM). It was so sad. They said she cried off and on all morning. I assured her that I always come back for her and we went to McDonald's afterwards and she was pretty excited about that. We talked about the day with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. I haven't told her yet that she has to go back tomorrow.
I hope she adjusts pretty soon or I am going to have an ulcer from all the anxiety of leaving her. I consider myself to be pretty strong about this sort of thing and I didn't really expect to be so worried about it. Oh well. Maybe I will adjust soon too. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.
Jules went to preschool this morning. She has recently become very clingy and started a pretty bad separation anxiety phase. I knew it would be rough. She was OK when I dropped her off - just went on in and played only hesitating once to check and see if I was still around. I cried when I left and asked where the room was for the crying mothers.
When I picked her up she was crying (along with EVERY OTHER KID IN THE ROOM). It was so sad. They said she cried off and on all morning. I assured her that I always come back for her and we went to McDonald's afterwards and she was pretty excited about that. We talked about the day with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. I haven't told her yet that she has to go back tomorrow.
I hope she adjusts pretty soon or I am going to have an ulcer from all the anxiety of leaving her. I consider myself to be pretty strong about this sort of thing and I didn't really expect to be so worried about it. Oh well. Maybe I will adjust soon too. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
nuggets
My girl starts preschool tomorrow. I'm going to be a nervous wreck. I really didn't think I was going to be upset at all about it, but then I went to preschool open house this morning and now I am super nervous. Come back later for an update.
I am eating chocolate fondue tonight with my mom, sister, aunt, and cousins. MMmmmmm.
Later in the month we're going to visit two sets of friends who just had their first babies (both named Addison). Whhheeeee! I love babies! Four people in my mom's group are pregnant and I get to host the baby shower after Christmas (or not if my husband's reading this). I'm not going to mention any names, but I also have at least two relatives who are TTC or are already preggo.
Still running, but sucking at it. The 10k is in two and a half weeks. Ugh.
Working on making hair bows and a halloween costume.
Stressed out with lots of work and reading to do. Need more time.
I am eating chocolate fondue tonight with my mom, sister, aunt, and cousins. MMmmmmm.
Later in the month we're going to visit two sets of friends who just had their first babies (both named Addison). Whhheeeee! I love babies! Four people in my mom's group are pregnant and I get to host the baby shower after Christmas (or not if my husband's reading this). I'm not going to mention any names, but I also have at least two relatives who are TTC or are already preggo.
Still running, but sucking at it. The 10k is in two and a half weeks. Ugh.
Working on making hair bows and a halloween costume.
Stressed out with lots of work and reading to do. Need more time.
Monday, September 3, 2007
what i did over my labor day weekend
before climbing the stairs to the slide at the playground
Daddy cleaning little J's mouth off
having fun swinging
taking a rest on the elephant
looking at a picture of great grand-mother
riding in my new Barbie Jeep
visiting Mama Lou
trying out my new ballet shoes
smelling Memamma's flowers
visiting with Uncle Kevin
this is a fun test to take
Can you distinguish between fake and real smiles? Find out here. I got 15 out of 20 - much better than I thought.