Diary of a Working MoM

Snippets

2009-04-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

I know it's rude to listen to those that are around you talk about what's going on in their lives but sometimes it's too hard not to listen. Like, the other day I was walking down the street after a successful term at the gym, minding my own business. It was late in the afternoon on a fairly busy city street when I heard this, "Yes, he faked his death and is now living in Mexico somewhere." I was so intrigued I wanted to turn around and follow the ladies to see if they were talking about what happened on their favorite TV show or someone they knew. What would you have done?

Total Reform

2009-03-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

So, I have been pondering much about the state of the economy and how government just cannot seem to keep up with its spending initiatives. I guess, from my last post, you are clear about that! So, I have an idea that will be quite unpopular for some and, probably, quite popular for others, here it is:

Since this is the technology age, instead of having government offices for everything under the sun staffed in many places with many people and many computers and much overhead cost, why don't we require that some things be done by computer, and by computer only. If you do not have a computer there are computers available in every library and other public spots. You may use those. Can you imagine the amount of money we would save?

I know you are thinking, "Like what services?" So, here's what I am thinking, car registration and other automobile related transactions (there is no reason why most of these cannot be done online, of course there are exceptions here, like the actual driving exam); tax forms and advice (no more local IRS or state outlets but call centers would be available if you cannot find your answer online but you may have a wait ahead of you); those are the most obvious to me but there are hundreds of other opportunities to cut here. That way we could take the money the various governments continue to take from the education coffers and put it back.

What do you think? Am I on the right track?

The State of Education

2009-03-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

We are pretty lucky (if you can call it that) because we live within the boundaries of one of the school districts that consistently ranks in the top 10 in California. However, as I'm sure the entire world knows, California has fallen on difficult times. It is not just California, though, the entire globe is struggling right now but, humor me, lets focus on the great state in which I reside, California.

So, California ran into some difficult budget issues this year and had to balance the budget. I know everyone has to give in these situations but it does not appear that everyone is giving. The state government reps know which side their bread is buttered and it's not the education side. To balance the budget, our wise senators and assembly persons elected to cut more money from the public education budget. Why is it that California is the 5th largest economy in the world but is dead last in the funding of its education system? Can we not see that if we continue to cut funds and resources from the very hand that continues to feed this state that we may be an impoverished nation in the not too distant future?

I find it amazing that we can fund building projects, roads, and even earmark one BILLION dollars for truck drivers to take their trucks green all the while depleting the budget for education. Don't get me wrong, the environment is very important and I get that if we use up all our resources it will not matter whether anyone had a proper education because there will be no one here to know but, we could be educating the future to help solve these environmental problems. We choose not to though, that is what amazes me.

Budgeting is tough for every one in these hard times but it is all about priorities. We set priorities at home to determine what we spend our money on and our priorities are our children. I think anyone who has children would agree that we would rather give our children the last bite of food and starve ourselves. Are our legislators blind to this? Are they really acting in our best interests? I really have to wonder.

Okay, what brought this on? I drove my children to school this morning and the teachers at their school who have received pink slips are all lined up in front of the school in pink shirts and the ones that have been spared are wearing black. With my kids in the car it took all I had to not break into an all out bawl. It really choked me up. Our district like all others in California is facing some harsh cuts and it is hard to see that happen.

I think we need to rethink how we spend our money in this new era. Reform in many areas is calling, education being one of them but, not the one receiving the most money. Maybe what we need to do is to have a survey on the next ballot where the people rate the importance of spending in various categories, it might be an eye opening experience for all.

I apologize for the rant, not the importance of the topic, though. Maybe with all of our great minds put together we can come up with some feasible solutions to turn this system around.

Routines and Grand Ideas

2009-02-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have been out of practice since the holidays of posting regularly. I'm going to try to post on a more regular schedule now that we have firmly settled into 2009. There is so much going on in our lives that it is sometimes difficult to slow down and think about the steps to take to make it to your goals. I have a few goals for 2009 and one of them is to make blogging more of a priority.

Check back and I'll keep you posted on what I'm up to.

I Joined GoodReads

2009-01-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

I joined GoodReads.

I read almost every day on my commute to and from work therefore I am always looking for good books to read. I have relied on the books that my mom passed on to me but those have dried up so I began poking around for something good to read and stumbled upon Good Reads.

I signed up because you can see what other people are reading or read, what they thought of it, and create a list of your own, a queue, if you will, of what books you wish to read. Now, when I am ready for my next book I click over to the website and see what strikes my fancy. I have really enjoyed it and so far I am not at a loss for something to read.

Now, if only there were an easy and inexpensive way to obtain all these new finds...

Shopaholics - No More!

2009-01-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

As I was driving into work today I heard on the radio how tough the economic crisis is, it's so tough that even Macy's is closing some of its stores. I guess that should not surprise me but it kind of does. Macy's is one of those stores that seems like it will always exist through the good times and the bad. After all, I work because I shop (but please don't tell my husband!).

So, when I got to work I googled "Macy's store closings" because I had to determine if I would be affected directly. I found an article in the Wall Street Journal that lists all the stores that will be closing and, luckily for me, none of the Macy's stores near me are closing their doors. But for those of you that are curious, here is the list of stores that will be closing soon (and apparently they will start their clearance sales soon, so if these are the stores you shop at least you may be able to get some shopping out of your system before they are no longer):

Ernst & Young Plaza (Citicorp Plaza), Los Angeles
The Citadel, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Westminster Mall, Westminster, Colo.
Palm Beach Mall, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, Island of Hawaii
Lafayette Square, Indianapolis
Brookdale Center, Brooklyn Center, Minn.
Crestwood Mall, St. Louis
Natrona Heights Plaza, Natrona Heights, Pa.
Century III Furniture and Clearance, West Mifflin, Pa.
Bellevue Center, Nashville, Tenn.

I hope the economy turns around soon because many more stories like this and I will have to quit working because there will be no incentive to continue!

Recharging Batteries

2009-01-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

During the holidays my husband and I had to work so our children went to visit their grandparents for the weekdays, they were home, however, from Christmas Eve through the Sunday after Christmas for some well-needed family time.

But, since the kids were gone and my husband had nothing more than working on our plates for a change, we had a chance to recharge our batteries.

So the first morning that the children were with their grandparents my husband decided to leave for work a little later than usual. Well, he left then came back a few minutes later and explained that his car battery was dead so he would wait for me to get ready and we could take my car. He asked when I would be ready, to which I replied, "About 45 minutes." His jaw dropped onto the floor and he said, "How come so long?" Need he ask? It always takes me longer than him to get ready.

When I emerged from our bedroom ready to go we headed for the garage together. When we got into my car I thought it odd that someone turned off the dome lights. Turns out that my car battery was also dead. What a coincidence that both car batteries could be dead at the same time. I thought it was just that both cars needed their batteries recharged also after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. My husband gave me a sideways look.

We were able to get jumped and off to work but, who wants to start off on a Monday like that?

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to All!

Now that the new year has begun and we can all assume our usual duties I am trying to fall back into my usual routine also which includes posting to this blog on a more regular and less sporadic basis (I hope!).

Hope 2009 brings with it all that you wish for!

Holiday Dinner Plans

2008-12-22T13:28:00.001-08:00

I'm not really sure how we managed this year to get out of any and all holiday dinner cooking but, we did! However, in case you have not completely figured it out, Saving Dinner (my favorite menu place) has some pre-planned menus for the holidays that include the shopping lists.

Also, they are featuring some left over tips and menus so if you are struggling to figure out exactly what to do, check them out.

Christmas Shopping Complete...Check!

2008-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

I was stressing out about all that had to be done before Christmas and I think that is what continued to place me in a tailspin. However, after a day of playing hooky from work I completed almost all of my shopping and wrapping was completed over the weekend. I feel so much better now.

Here are some potential hits for my family this year:

For Kids

For Adults:

Another awesome idea is to make a donation in a person's name to a favorite charity, either theirs or yours.

I hope you are enjoying the season!

Cute Wrapping Paper and Other Accessories

2008-12-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a fellow blogger over at Glamorous Housewife I have been introduced to some darling, personalized wrapping paper at The Paper Cafe. Not only do they have wrapping paper but they have many different items, all very cute!

All deadlines have passed to receive anything for the holidays but take a look, maybe you need something from there.

Ouch!

2008-12-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned probably too many times how I am a regular at my local gym. Well, today I am so sore but, in a not so bad way. See, yesterday I had my second experience with kettlebells, see above. These are basically cast iron balls with a cast iron handle, the smallest one weighs 8 kg (or a little less than 18 pounds).

These are weights you can swing, circle, carry, etc. It is quite a workout especially when using them to do squats. I understand there are lighter versions that you can do all kinds of training with but my gym does not yet have those lighter versions.

With all this extra work I should be in shape just to partake in all the holiday eats!

So Much To Do, So Little Time

2008-12-05T08:21:00.001-08:00

This is how I feel this time of year and, as I said before, this year has been exceptionally bad for me. Not sure why I feel so out of sorts but, I do. It may be that we were gone the week of Thanksgiving which was so relaxing in so many ways but, it also limited time for Christmas preparations. That said, given the opportunity I would do that every year.

So, I have been out of my routine and neglecting my blogs and I apologize but, I plan to start my regular schedule again on Monday. Looking forward to seeing you here.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-11-18T18:39:00.000-08:00

Can you say busy enough? I know this is the time of year when everyone is crazy busy but this year it seems like I am in control in an out of control world. It is a little disconcerting to say the least. I am constantly feeling like I am missing something but, I am so at peace about it.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

I Glove Breakfast

2008-11-13T11:11:00.001-08:00

Do you ever notice when you order your food at many places that the food handlers wear gloves? And sometimes they do all sorts of things with their gloved hands then handle your food? Don't you just want to say, "Did you know that those gloves are actually supposed to be for MY protection?"

"What raises this?" you might ask. Well, this morning I decided I wanted a breakfast sandwich so I went to a local hole in the wall and ordered. There was only one dude on duty, the regular register person must have been on break. He rips his rubber glove off of one hand, handles my money transaction with the ungloved hand being very careful to not touch anything else with his gloved hand, then places a new glove on the ungloved hand and proceeds to prepare my meal. Although not ideal this was an acceptable practice to me. Because he was so careful not to use the gloved hand to handle the money (or anything else) is the only reason I think I noticed.

I cannot tell you how many places I have been where the staff has done so many things with their gloved hands that I'd rather not think about it enough to repeat any of the sightings, the proceeded to prepare a food item. Those places I have walked out of. Do they not get it? Those gloves are for my protection, not so they don't get my food on their hands! If they want to avoid getting food on their hands then they should work in retail clothing or something else.

Anyway, my sandwich was excellent and I ate it all! Yum!

This Makes the News?

2008-11-11T06:54:00.000-08:00

I was at the gym yesterday afternoon watching the televisions (I rarely listen, I find it kind of entertaining to just watch and make up what people are saying). The teles have the usual mix of something for everyone, music videos, a talk show (like Tara or Oprah), sports, sitcoms, and, at least one channel always tuned to, CNN.

I am looking around at the various teles and settle on CNN for a bit. As I am on the elliptical trainer building up my cardio fitness I watch the ticker at the bottom of the screen, Obama visits with White House, something about Pakistan, Iraq, etc., then it passes by, "World's Ugliest Dog Dies".

I wait for the ticker to circle and I see it again, now that is news? And CNN News at that? It must have been a slow day in the news, which I guess isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Christmas is Near, Oh Dear!

2008-11-10T18:39:00.001-08:00

Wow, I cannot believe there are only a few weeks left until Christmas. I am really trying to get organized this year and get all my gifts out, bought, sorted, wrapped, and under the tree as soon as the tree goes up after Thanksgiving. Not sure that is going to happen but I'd like to have a year that I don't have to run around like a mad woman trying to tackle all the different tasks that arise for Christmas.

So, last weekend we almost completed shopping for our daughter and my mom is done but, she is easy! So, two down, ten or so to go...

These Boots Are Made For Walking!

2008-11-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

I have these boots (but I have two of them) and since it is fall-like weather now I decided to wear them today, black boots, black skirt, black tights, sweater/jacket set, black trench coat.

So, today I leave for lunch at normal people's lunch hour because I was starving! Usually, I go to lunch sometime around 2:00 or so. As I am standing outside a potential eatery perusing the menu a rather nice-looking fellow approaches me and says, "Hi!"

"Hello," I respond

"I like your boots, they are very Sarah Palin-esque," he says.

I begin to think I might just mosey on down the street to the next place that catches my eye but, I can't. Instead I say, "Except that I had my boots before anyone knew how Sarah Palin was!"

To which he replies, "They are very Femme Fatale. Nice boots!" He starts to walk away, then returns and says, "You know, you are very striking." I was not quite sure what to say or if I should acknowledge but, I think I am too polite sometimes. I replied, "Thank you."

I stepped up to the counter to place my order all the while wondering how I was going to shake this guy. Well, when I turned around, he was gone.

Not sure if I was freaked or flattered but, I do now remember why I choose to go to lunch a little later than *normal*.

I Voted!

2008-11-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

I voted! Actually, I voted by mail two weeks ago so I hope that my ballot counts. Tonight or tomorrow we will have the results of the most interesting presidential election I can remember.

Do Rolling Briefcases Make Good Dance Partners?

2008-10-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

The popularity of those rolling briefcases has really taken off, have you noticed? I see them all over now and I understand their popularity. I'm not crazy about carrying a heavy bag on my shoulder but I have to say that the vain side of me (and that is my much, much smaller side) would much rather carry a smart looking bag that I can fit everything into, throw over my shoulder, and run.

During my commute I see many people with these wheeled briefcases. They just plop them on the ground and go rolling these briefcases along behind them. So, I bet you can see my beef coming...why do those people that have these rolling briefcases feel the need to plop them down right in front of my feet when I am walking? Don't they have some obligation to be sure that they watch where they and their rolling briefcase is going? And, come on people, at the top or bottom of an escalator is especially dangerous to stop to plop your wheeled briefcase!

I cannot tell you how many times now I have almost landed on my head because someone has stopped abruptly in commute foot traffic to drop their rolling briefcase directly in my path. There is one person in particular that I run into plenty of times who seems to be especially oblivious. He feels compelled to not carry his wheeled briefcase any further than absolutely necessary even if it compromises my safety and the safety of those around me. And he is consistently the one who stops dead in his tracks at the top of the escalator to drop his briefcase, walk around it, like he's doing a samba, the proceed off pulling the little devil behind him.

If one day I quit posting to this blog, well, you will know what happened.

Stinky Gym Clothes, What!?!

2008-10-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I was dutifully enjoying my cardio work out on the Cybex Arc Trainer (if you don't know what that is it's kind of a cross between an elliptical machine and a stair stepper). My favorite Arc Trainer is directly in line with a window that is perpetually open with only one tread mill separating me from the fresh air. I watched but did not listen to the several televisions mounted around the gym per usual and then I began to smell an odd aroma. A couple of seconds passed and what I thought to be an aroma turned, well, disgusting. I peered around the gym and smack in front of that open window directly in my line of fire was a person who had just jumped onto the treadmill that stood between that open window and me. That person on that treadmill must not have washed their gym clothes for an entire year or maybe even more. The stench of urine, sweat, or whatever else made my stomach turn. It was completely and utterly vile! I cannot imagine how the person wearing those clothes could not know that they smelled. Don't get me wrong, I understand that the gym is typically not full of fresh and fruity smells, but come on! I wash my gym clothes between each use, it's not that difficult.

I got to thinking that maybe gyms should institute a clothing smell test and if you don't pass you cannot workout. Can you imagine the protests of the front desk workers?

Most Moms Would Like to Work Part Time, Surprised?

2008-10-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to any of you moms that most moms would like to work part time. Though even a part time schedule can be a challenge. The issue is that most companies will not hire people into part time positions. I believe that this comes from the corporate mentality that if someone is not willing to spend all their waking hours at work then they are not loyal to the company. But, times, they are a changing.

As women have their children later in life, they are usually well established in their profession. Companies have invested time and money in training these women, also. After entrenching themselves in their profession, women have their first baby, then elect to stay home because their priorities change and they cannot find a suitable schedule. Because of this paradigm change, companies are beginning to feel the talent pinch. Some companies are starting to take notice and offer more flexible schedules for professional women. Staffing agencies, like 10 til 2, as well are picking up on the trend and specializing in placement of professional women in part time and flexible positions.

In fact, an Arizona newspaper reports, that a poll suggests that moms are more inclined now to want to work part time than ten years ago. It also lists the Top 10 part-time jobs for moms as:

• Administrative or executive assistant.
• Accounts payable/receivable.
• Appointment setters.
• Accountant or bookkeeper.
• Data entry.
• Legal secretaries.
• Marketing specialist.
• Sales.
• Office assistant or manager.
• Graphic or Web designers.

The task of balancing a full-time job with all of its demands and a family, because, let's face it, children need their mommy, is stressful. The stress is what forces women to leave the workforce if they cannot cut back the work schedule. Companies now are beginning to realize that they are missing out on a talent pool that they had available to them ten years ago. This realization is what is prompting companies to offer more flexible schedules for moms and dads alike.

My experience proves that most moms want to work. It gives them an outlet in other areas of life so they can feel successful on those days that being a mother makes us doubt our abilities. There are no rules for parenting (as we all know) and therefore the ability to work in an environment where there are boundaries and the possibility of positive feedback on the job that we perform is critical.

As the next few years pass, I hope that more opportunities arise for people who wish for the part time schedule become more abundant. I think it might just make as a more rounded society. Oh, how I am hoping that this really takes off.

Daylight Savings Time

2008-10-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, I cannot believe that Halloween is almost here. I remember each year sometime around Halloween, we have to start thinking about setting our clocks back to Standard Time so this is the time of year I ask, "When do we set our clocks back?" of "When does daylight savings end, again?" Those thoughts made me check the Daylight Saving Time schedule for 2008.

I remember that we used to lose Daylight Savings Time in October but fairly recently the time for setting the clocks back in the fall moved to sometime after Halloween, I think the first Sunday in November. So, the time change for fall 2008 is next weekend. On Sunday morning at 2:00 all the clocks go back. Yes, we gain an hour next Sunday. That means that for the states that participate Daylight Savings Time, (Arizona, Hawaii and some of the US Territories stay on Standard Time all year long) those citizens will turn their clocks back one hour at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 2, 2008. That is when the official time will change from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time.

So, plan ahead because you will have an extra hour to entertain, get things done, or just relax. What are your plans?

Palin Wardrobe Malfunction?

2008-10-22T13:04:00.001-07:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't like to start talking politics but I'm thinking this does not really count.

I'm sure you've heard by now that the Republican National Committee spent somewhere around $150,000 for Sarah Palin's wardrobe for the campaign trail. Most of it being spent at Neiman Marcus with the rest being spent on hair consultation and make up.

Wow, you would think that she could have gotten by with Nordstrom and a bill a lot smaller than that! Is it really necessary to buy all the clothing at Neiman Marcus? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Neiman's but if the republicans are behind in fundraising, which everyone agrees is true, then why don't they cut corners in places like this. Furthermore, I'd like to have a fraction of that for my wardrobe budget.

But, it gets better, when this story broke the official party line became that all the clothing items would be donated as soon as the campaign is over. Wha!?!

But reading about this raises a bunch of questions in my mind, like, what was she wearing before all these necessities were purchased? Why Neiman's? What will Ms. Palin wear after the campaign if she donates all her clothing? And, finally, who are they going to donate all those wardrobe pieces to when they are done? I only ask because I think my size and hers are about the same and I'd like to get in line, please...

Obama Tax Calculator

2008-10-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

I try not to talk politics because I think too many people just want to speak their piece and not listen too others, me included, so it's generally not a good idea for me to get going down that path. But, I don't count this as really talking politics. I found this Obama Tax calculator and I also found this other Obama Tax Calculator. It appears that the first one is the "official" version and the second one, well I have to say that I like the numbers on that one much better. Maybe "Joe the plumber" can plug his numbers in here and see what his taxes will be under each scenario and we can all move on.

Morning Banana Diet

2008-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about this? Apparently it's all the rage in Japan and my guess is it's just a matter of time before bananas are a scarcity throughout the world.

Apparently, you can lose weight if you have a banana, or two or, actually, as many as you want, and some water at room temperature for breakfast. Then you can eat anything you want for lunch, a snack (at 3:00), and dinner but, you must complete your eating by 8:00 pm and you may not have any desserts after your meals (it actually does not say anything about having them before...). The only other caveat is that you must go to bed by midnight. Sounds pretty simple, huh?

I'm thinking that some bananas may be on my next shopping list.

Britney Come Back?

2008-10-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

In Britney Spears' new video she debuts her new body, apparently all of it, and she is rumored to be in fabulous shape. Apparently, she hangs her success on the use of Nutrition 53. Nutrition 53 is ex-pro football payer, Bill Romanowski's, company that sells nutritional supplements. These supplements are apparently all the rage in Hollywood right now.

I did some quick research and I cannot find any real opinions on the Nutrition 53 products or program so if you have any information you'd like to share I am all ears.

Skin Care Junkie

2008-10-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

You might not know it by looking at me but I am a skin care junkie. actually I think I am addicted. I want to try everything so I never, and I mean never, stick with the same brand or product time and time again. I surf the beauty boards looking for the next best thing then try to locate it and try it.

I recently read about the Clarisonic PRO Professional 3-Power Levels Skin Care System (I like the pink one but it also comes in white) and wondered if it could really be that great. Then my colleague brought it up saying it was REALLY expensive but her skin never looked or felt better. Of course, I did some research and thought I would never spend $200 on a product for my face (and it's not $200 any more!). Then I look back at all the products I have tried at most every price point and think, "Well, maybe." It sure does get rave reviews so it goes on my list, my Christmas list, that is. Maybe some unfortunate soul will read this (like my husband) and get a brilliant idea!

I'll keep you posted...

Scrap A Holic

2008-10-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

I love to scrapbook but I am not that good at it nor am I very successful at finding the time that I feel I need to sit down and do it. That said, I know what like when I see it.

As I was searching aimlessly this weekend I came across this blog that had the cutest tags at
Three Scrap Booking Ladies and I have to say that those tags made me want to pull out my scrapbook paraphernalia and start scrapping. Oh, and better yet, the have a store where you can by all these pre-made, handmade items, check them out!

Green is the New Black

2008-10-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

I notice much more lately than ever before that reusing and recycling are being advertised with some force. I live in a community that has what they call mandatory recycling which is something other than what you probably think, let me explain: We throw all of our garbage into one bin and then garbage trucks deliver the garbage to a transfer station where all the garbage is dumped onto a conveyor belt. I know, ewwww! Then several people (I have no idea how many) stand on either side of this conveyor belt and pick out all of the recyclables. This process makes our community more than 99% compliant with recycling all recyclable materials.

Because we have this system though, the children are not encouraged at home to recycle so the local school district takes on the responsibility for teaching the children about being kind to Mother Earth. The schools tackle this in several different ways including having a recycling drive for each class room, recycling paper in the schools, and this year they are selling "green" baggies with which to enclose sandwiches, carrots, and other lunch items. I think they must also be using the sale of these green baggies to raise funds because they are charging $4 each.

Well, my daughter has bought into the no baggie rule which I think is fantastic! But the thought of multiple $4 baggies being thrown away on accident did not sit right with my pocketbook. So, last weekend when we were out and about we browsed into a store that had all kinds of interesting things and stumbled upon these containers:

As you can see they are made in different styles for appeal to children and for appeal to adults. I thought them less likely to be tossed into the garbage and easily stackable, washable, and economical. The best part, though, is that the children really, really wanted to get them and could not wait to use them for their lunch.

Now I feel we are doing more to be green in a time when we need to be concerned.

Give Thanks for A Make Ahead Thanksgiving Meal

2008-10-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

I have not been focused on the upcoming holidays so when I received an email from Saving Dinner that has a Thanksgiving menu that you can make ahead and freeze, I did a double take. Then after processing how close Thanksgiving actually is, I thought, "Now isn't that a smart idea?" This menu provides the instructions to make everything well before the holiday bustle begins and then on the day before Thanks giving you can pull all your dinner items from the freezer which will free you up for more holiday fun.

If I were cooking at home for Thanksgiving this year I think I would invest in this menu that provides the shopping list and the recipes. Cooking is not a favorite past time for me and I find it stressful to put on an entire Thanksgiving spread. A menu that I can make ahead, freeze, then bake is exactly my speed. How did they know?

AIG Spa Endulgence

2008-10-08T12:49:00.001-07:00

So, I awake this morning to the radio just like any other morning. As I lay there waking up and listening to the radio I think I hear the radio personalities talking about AIG personnel going to a resort and spending many of the tax payer dollars they received in the bailout. I think to myself no.... So when I get up and get the kids off to school I do a little research and this is what I find.

No more than a week after we, the taxpayers, bail out AIG in an attempt to stabilize the weakening economy (more on that later), AIG sends 70 of its "top performers" to a swanky resort where the seventy people rack up more than $440,000 in seven days. They spend about $200,000 for rooms, $150,000 for meals and, as if that were not enough, they spend $23,000 on spa treatments. That works out to be about $6300 per person and all paid for by us!

Furthermore, the CEO, who let the Company get into such dire straights, is taking a $5 million bonus and the man who was in charge of the troubled division that weighted AIG down is on a $1 million per month retainer. This is all after astronomic bonuses were paid last year after AIG announced a multi BILLION dollar loss. After the announcement, the CEO conned the board of directors into overlooking the loss for purposes of paying bonuses and all the executives received MILLIONS of dollars in bonuses. Of course, the company line is that the officers knew nothing about the impending demise of the company but PriceWaterhouseCoopers audit works proves otherwise.

Needlesstosay, I am livid that I am working hard to pay taxes that are funding windfalls to those who run public companies into the ground. Would we not all be better off to let these ginormous companies fail and let the executives take their due lumps? I'm not really suggesting that that would be good for the economy (such as it is) but don't you think that we as taxpayers should have some say or that any money given by the government to bail out these companies should be given with so many strings attached that these ludicrous deals cannot and would not happen? I think the executive behaviour was criminal to run the company into the ground but then to turn around in laugh in the taxpayers face, now that is felonious! I hope they all go to jail!

Now I'll get off my soapbox and in closing I'll say that I always thought I wanted to be a weather person because they made good money for being wrong most of the time. However, if these guys don't go to jail then I am changing my mind...

Good Reads

2008-10-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if "someone" was trying to expand my horizons however "someone" left this book at my home in my basket that I use to stage everything for exit with me each morning. So, after staring at it for several months and wondering who might have left it there I picked it up, stuck it in my bag and walked out the door.

As I settled onto the train one morning I pulled this book by Lolly Winston, Happiness Sold Separately, out of my bag and began to read. I have to say that although the topics covered in this book are quite serious to the point I sometimes found my eyes welling up with tears, and sometimes I found myself laughing out loud at times. In addition, I wanted to get back on the train to continue reading. In short, I was hooked.

The book covers the lives of a couple who are married and trying to conceive a child. Through the medical process they grow apart and are unable to get pregnant after multiple attempts. The husband ultimately has an affair which his wife discovers. From that point the book delves into the emotions, thoughts, and occurrences that follow. The book ends in a thought provoking manner leaving the ultimate outcome up to your imagination.

I have another book I am trying to read, more about that later, but after reading this book, Lolly Winston's book, Good Grief: A Novel, is definitely on my list.

The Value of Education

2008-10-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

I sit here this morning at home after dropping my children off for school. On Fridays I volunteer to correct math timed tests in both of my children's classrooms but I cannot start until 8:30 which gives the children time to get settled and take the test, then I can sneak in and correct them while the children move onto their next activity.

Last year I tried to volunteer to do things from home but nothing ever was sent home and my children constantly reminded me that "so and so's mom came to the class today". So, this year I decided that even though I do work more than full time I would show my children that I think what they are doing at school is important, important enough, in fact, that I will go to work late on Fridays. Don't get me wrong, I have never missed a performance or an important school event, I just did not volunteer in the class before. I thought in being there for the important events I was showing my enthusiasm for their school achievements but I have to say I was wrong, at least in their eyes.

Each week when I show up in class my son beams, comes over and gives me a hug, and checks on me several times while I am there. My daughter is so happy that I come to her class, too. She checks with me each week to see when it is I am coming to her class. I have to say that if I had known that it meant so much to them I would have tried to swing it before now.

I think it also gives me a good perspective on what the children are actually learning. I sometimes forget that my children are only seven and they still have so much more to learn so actually going to their class and seeing first hand what they are working on brings me back to reality, sometimes.

In addition, I always tell the children how important education is to them which is probably a difficult concept to grasp as a child. But, now I feel like I am involved directly in showing how important I think it is and I think they can see it too.

Being a Member of the PTA: $23
School Spirit Wear: $86
Classroom Donation: $60
The Value of Education: Priceless

Dinner Decisions

2008-10-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

I mentioned that I was home for a few days and one of the things that I really enjoyed while I was home was deciding on preparing dinner for my family. Since I was not working for those few days I had the luxury of scoping out the fridge to see what was in there and then plugging the ingredients into Epicurious to see what popped up. I had several successful meals, successful in the sense that the children and my husband all enjoyed the dinner. I have to admit that the best part for me was all sitting down together and chatting and eating which is something that I usually do not get to do since my working hours are quite long.

Even though I normally do not get to sit and eat with the rest of my family because I am a working mom working long hours, I have been in the habit of making meals that my husband can heat up or, better yet, I put something in the crock pot that is ready when they are ready to eat. I found this great website, Saving Dinner, where you can purchase menus for a week or a season or you can purchase one of their books but, I prefer the weekly version because, whether or not it's true, I feel like it offers a wider variety of selections. They offer weekly menus and not only give you the recipe for the main dish, it suggests all the sides to go with the main dish and provides a weekly shopping list. If you visit Saving Dinner you can print a sample menu for any of their many categories that include vegetarian menus, low carb menus, frugal menus, heart healthy menus, time saving menus (however I found that just receiving the menu and the shopping list was time saving in and of itself), my favorite, crock pot menus, and many others.

Happy and healthy eating.

Economic Blues

2008-09-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you have been following the implosion of the U.S. banking industry. I have been trying to avoid all the news but, I'll have to admit, it is quite difficult to dodge at this point.

First, the plunge of the housing market touching off the mortgage crisis. The mortgage crisis has made the banks sink. In the last few weeks it has been one financial institution after another, then last week one of my favorite banks, Washington Mutual, put itself up for auction and was purchased by JP Morgan. I just hope that Washington Mutual under the wings of JP Morgan will keep its corny, yet intimate, personality. I guess I am just happy that they have survived!

Now, I awake this morning to the news that there has been a Wachovia buyout. Apparently CitiGroup has bailed Wachovia out and will acquire all its banking assets and will take on $42 billion in debt with the FDIC covering any additional losses. As details of the Wachovia takeover surfaced, the stock dropped from a close of $10 per share on Friday to $0.94 today, or a 90% drop in stock price.

I have to say that I try hard to not follow finances or the markets, although some times I cannot help myself and this is one of those times. I know that the government is all over this and I hope for announcement of a solid bailout plan soon so we can all get back to business as usual.

Happy Monday!

Insurance Lately

2008-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

We have been dealing with a frustrating insurance situation lately that is forcing us to reevaluate all of our insurance needs, including auto insurance. Here's the low down.

We had some building damage to our structure, enough that caused us to notify our insurance company. The carrier sent the adjuster out to our place and he was genuinely nice. He requested that we submit quotes for repair as well as the actual bills as we received them and he would pay us as we completed the various repairs. Now, what we had was water damage so there were several layers to the repair, including taking out wet carpeting and flooring, drying everything out, then starting the replacement process. Well, we are now done with the process and have not yet seen one check! The adjuster keeps explaining that he has not received any of the various copies of each bill that we submitted, it has been a frustrating process. So frustrating, in fact, that we have started looking for and pricing new insurance, not just for our property but for everything, including looking for the best pricing for our auto insurance coverage.

As I was starting the process to change insurance I came across this site that allows you to easily compare insurance pricing, it is quick and easy. I completed the entire process in minutes and received a quote in my inbox instantaneously. Now, that is no fuss, no muss service!

So, as we continue to wait for a response from our current carrier, I will forge on pursuing a new carrier.

Jet Blue Snafu

2008-09-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

When I last flew back East I flew Jet Blue because they fly direct to Boston from a location nearer my home than many other airlines. Oh, and, the price was right! So, on my way to Boston my flight was delayed three hours. We waited on the runway while other planes were taking off due to "weather." I'll give it to the pilot though, he came out of the cockpit to make the announcement of the delay and said, "You know it's never good news when the pilot comes out of the cockpit to make an announcement." I am not a good passenger when it comes to "weather", I don't get sick, just nervous, the kind of nervous that a glass of wine or a few, depending on the amount of "weather," will do the trick. I braced myself the entire trip expecting the plane to start bouncing around like a ping pong ball in a wind tunnel. And, lucky for me, the flight was smooth sailing all the way cross country.

After my stay in Boston I flew through New York to visit with my sister and her husband for a few hours on my way home. My flight out of Boston was at 6:00 am. The flight actually left Boston at 9:00 am and I arrived into JFK around 10:00 am. That significantly cut into my visiting time but I was just happy to get a few hours to see them and chat. Because of the delays in the morning flight I continued to check on the status of my outbound flight from JFK home. There was no hint of delay on Jet Blue's website or by using the phone service. So, although the visit with my sister and her husband were short, I climbed back into a car and headed back to the airport for my flight home.

On the way to the airport I found myself grateful that the driver knew the way to the airport like the back of his hand because it began raining so hard that I could not see beyond the inside of the car. I thought to myself, "Uh oh!" We arrived at the airport and I piled out of the car with my carry on bag (having already checked my luggage through to home so I would not have to deal with claiming and rechecking it). I trudged through the terminal checking the monitors at each interval along the way and each monitor showed my flight as "On Time."

Since Jet Blue is building a new terminal the temporary terminal that my flight would depart from was a bus ride away. I boarded the bus at the end of one terminal and proceeded up the ramp at the temporary terminal. When I entered the temporary terminal a pit formed in my stomach as I noticed how many people were crammed into the small space and, further, the wave of people lined up six deep and across the terminal in front of the customer service counter.

I proceeded to my gate and queried the gate agent about our flight. He said it would be on time and no less than two minutes later they pushed back the departure time for our flight, now it would be leaving one and one-half hours late. As I sat at the gate I heard many a person discussing how their flight was cancelled. I telephoned my sister and gave her a heads up that the prospects of me getting out on a flight did not look good. She said she and her husband were checking the Internet and the online information still showed my flight departing on time. I was quick to tell her that the on line information was clearly incorrect.

As I waited flight after flight cancelled, those seated around me and I took turns approaching the gate agent to ask about the status of our flight. The gate agent all but assured us that the flight would leave that evening. As it got later and later and the gate changed several times, I phoned my sister and told her that although all information we had showed our flight leaving, I was not at all confident. I was sitting close to the gate agent when the manager came over and quietly told the agent that our flight would be cancelled. As soon as I over heard the conversation I phoned my sister in a complete panic and asked her to book me on the first flight out in the morning, not caring which airline. She booked me onto Virgin America, can you say "AHHH!"

The terminal was complete chaos and the gate agents clearly wanted us out. They instructed everyone not to stand in line at customer service but to call Jet Blue's 800 number and wait over one hour on the line to have the opportunity to speak to an agent. The gate agent also instructed us to proceed to baggage claim to claim our baggage. As I was waiting to settle up with my sister on the telephone I heard people saying that they were told that the earliest they would get out of JFK would be three or four days! Well, that was just not feasible for me because I have two small children at home who were missing their mommy. Now, in my pre children days, I would have been dancing to celebrate a longer stay in the Big Apple.

I followed the instructions to proceed to baggage claim where everyone from every Jet Blue flight for the entire day was congregated and the baggage staff were locked in the customer service office with the door closed like we would not notice they were in there. Every so often one of the customer service personnel would appear and tell everyone to form one line and they would not help anyone until everyone was on line. Then they would retreat back into their glass enclosure. First they would announce that luggage for certain flights would be loaded onto the carousels then they would tell us that we could claim out luggage at our destination. The crowd was understandable becoming agitated and beginning to get a little unruly. Before I was caught in a situation that I needn't find myself I left to go back to my sisters place figuring that my luggage would find me eventually.

I went back to my sister and her husband's place because they were gracious enough to host me for the evening, we ate dinner and had a glass of wine (not necessarily in that order). The next morning, early, I headed back to JFK for my flight home. I arrived home in one piece and my luggage followed me five days later.

I was so disturbed by the entire experience that I waited until a couple days ago, several weeks after the incident, to call Jet Blue customer service and request a refund. When I phoned, the agent told me she would have to "check with her supervisor" to see if they could issue me a refund or if I would receive credit that I had to use within a year for another Jet Blue flight. I was not impressed! I explained to the agent that I understood she needed to get authorization but that in the case that they decided not to issue a refund I would be contacting my credit card company to be reimbursed for the services I did not receive. When the "nice" agent returned to my line she said they would credit my Visa for the full cost of the flight.

What a snafu!

I did not Realize

2008-09-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying myself, my children, my husband, and my time off from work over the last week or so and in doing so I neglected my blogs. I'm not sure how that snuck away from me but it did! However, I am back now and will resume my regular posting, so look for me starting tomorrow.

Mars and Venus?

2008-09-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

This is an amazingly accurate website that shows that astrological signs predict parenting behavior. I plugged in my astrological sign and my husband's too and amazingly the outcome was spot on! Check if out, it's pretty cool and then let us know what you think of its accuracy.

Commuter Chaos

2008-09-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

I was so angry last week I could not even put my frustration into words. Here's what happened: I boarded the local commuter train at 7:30 AM to ride the 30 or so minutes to my office. Well, my 30 minute commute became an almost three hour nightmare!

You see, the area in which I live has okay transit but when visiting a city like New York you get really spoiled at how the transit can take you where ever you want to go either within or outside the City limits. Here, there is really only one convenient way to travel and two not so convenient and almost tricky ways to travel. And when the main route is balled up (which seems to be happening more often as the system ages) there is no hope.

Apparently someone thought it was a good idea to check on the track switching in the middle of the morning rush hour. Of course, the tracks switched but no one could switch them back. And the racks are located on a main artery of the commute. They ended up having to force the tracks back into alignment and then bolting them in place. What a disaster!

Meanwhile, the train I boarded was re-routed from a destination of downtown to a destination of a suburb the complete opposite of the direction I came from. Then re-routed again, then again before I finally disembarked with the umpteen thousand others to try and get on the right train. The problem: no one, not even the train attendants, knew which trains were going where. All the while the platforms were filling with potential passengers with no trains to board.

I finally boarded a train that announced it was going downtown and once boarded with the others packed in like sardines the train attendant announces that she *thinks* we are going downtown but after several stops she will let us know for sure. Well, as it turns out, we did end up downtown without having to transfer to another train, again. And three hours later I arrive at work just in time to jump onto my first conference call of the day.

These kinds of commutes make me wonder why I commute...

FroYo

2008-09-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

I love frozen yogurt. As a matter of fact, I sometimes have frozen yogurt for lunch, I know, that's not great but it works for me occassionally. But instead of spending my money on the inflated prices of frozen yogurt I have recently discovered a new way to eat store bought yogurt. I put it in the freezer a couple hours before I want to eat it and then stir it up and it is the perfect frozen consistentcy. My favorite right now is Trader Joe's Greek Style Nonfat Yogurt, it is so rich and creamy and not too sweet, YUM!

Are you working for Scrooge?

2008-09-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

I find I have always been interested in how actual employees feel about where they work. Of course, the place I work is wonderful but I often wonder what others think. I found this website, JobVent, where you can look up your employer or any other employer and see what the employees have to say about their work situation. You can also leave a comment and score your employer or a past employer.

It also is probably a good place to look if you are thinking about taking a job with a specific company, it may give you some insight into what goes on behind the company logo. I always want to go into a new venture fully prepared and the information found here may be a piece of the puzzle that I may not otherwise have.

Here Today, Gone TomoWii

2008-09-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last night in the night my son woke me up after my being aware of him coming into my room several times. When he finally woke me up to tell me his tummy hurt I was really awake. So awake, in fact, that I could not go back to sleep. I tossed and turned for a bit then I got up and took a little walk around the house, gave each of the children a little kiss, poured myself a glass of water, climbed back in bed, and counted sheep forever.

This morning when the radio blared telling me it was time to get up I had the hardest time. Even though my eyes and my body resisted I pulled myself out of bed and got ready for the work day. My son came in as I was starting to put my makeup on and said his tummy still hurt. I felt his forehead and he felt a touch warm so I said he could crawl back in bed. I was happy to stay home with him because I thought I could also catch a few winks.

I got my daughter up and we all piled into the car to drive her to school, all the while my son complaining that he did not feel good and wanted to go back to bed. So we came home, I tucked him in and I collapsed into bed myself. In no less than an hour my son is standing by my bedside whining that he cannot stop thinking about his new Wii. Can you see my face?

So all day he has been in and out of bed. Oh, because the rule is that if you are sick enough to stay home from school, then you are too sick to play and watch television, or even play Wii which is only allowed on weekends anyway! So now I sit here home from work (don't get me wrong I'm okay with that) with a child who probably should have gone to school and is asking me every few minutes if he can watch television now.

Next time I think I'll let my husband stay home.

Skeletons in the Closet?

2008-09-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how this happens to me but once every couple of months I need to take most everything out of my clothes closet and reorganize. The last couple of months I rotated everything I wear into the dry cleaners and when I picked it up I would hang the clothes in the plastic in my closet. After a few trips my closet looked like it was wrapped in plastic and every time you would open the door to the closet you heard that unmistakable brush of all the plastic. I realized that when I had more clothes in my closet but "nothing to wear" the only clothes I had hanging and accessible to me were the clothes I do not care for any longer so it was time to clean out the closet.

I took all the bagged clothing out of my closet and piled it on my bed. Most everything else in my closet I cataloged to donate to the Goodwill or Salvation Army. As I opened each bag of clothes I transferred the clothing to nice hangers and hung everything in color scheme order so as to find everything.Now each category of clothing (long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, pants, skirts, etc.) looks like this:

Now that my closet is cleaned out I have some room to integrate my new clothes I will buy for fall. Did I ever say I'm a shopaholic?

Do you Read?

2008-08-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

I tend to read during my commute to and from the office each day, I find it relaxing. I'm not sure what got into my husband the last time he took the children to the bookstore but he signed up for the Borders Bookstore Rewards program with MY email address. Well, this may work to your benefit, too, so it may not be all that bad. They are having a 30% off promotion if you spend more than $10. Here's the link for the in-store coupon:

http://www.bordersmedia.com/coup/coupon_30w100826.asp?cmpid=SL_20080828_REW

And if you have a Borders Rewards membership you can also get 40% off of all Hardcover Bestsellers, here's the link:

http://www.borders.com/online/store/ListView_bordersbestsellers?cmpid=SL_20080828_REW

Have fun reading!

Is that your keys in your pocket or...

2008-08-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

I went out a couple mornings ago to get a bagel for breakfast and as I was returning to my office, in the financial district of a major city, mind you, I approach a man in business attire who is walking toward me and fervently rattling his keys, or something, in his pocket. And, yes, I did stare! Now, I am surely giving him the benefit of the doubt now but at the time I was peering around for the hidden cameras that were capturing the expressions of women, and others, like me. I really do wish I had my video camera so I could post it and we could have a vote but, of course, I rarely have it aimed and ready when these odd things happen to me.

So, the moral of the story is that if you are male and a pocket flipper you should remove all temptations from your pockets. And ladies, well, please help out the men in your lives.

Maybe I'll come out with a new fad of front pockets that are decorative in nature only...

A Real Vacation

2008-08-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

Last week we took a vacation, just my husband, the children and me. We visited with my husband's family and even though we did so much it really felt like a vacation.

There was no worry about work for me, my husband had no calls from work (and that is a miracle!), my mother-in-law provided all meals and hospitality to boot. We had to think about nothing except what we were going to do for the day and we did a lot. We guessed about when we would be back and my mother-in-law did not pressure us for anything exact. We phoned her when we had a better idea of when we would return and she had a meal on the table as we walked through the door.

We actually did more in this trip than I had done in all my previous trips to my husband's family's hometown of Seattle. Despite the rainy weather in August(!) we went to Seattle Center, Pike Place Market, took the ferry to Bainbridge Island, went to a Mariner's baseball game (wow did that stadium cost some dough?), the Museum of Flight where we boarded the first "Air Force One" and a Concorde bound for no where, the University of Washington (the U Dub, to the locals), and Boehm's chocolate factory and even took the tour which was a bargain at $3 each. What we did not get to was take the Victoria Clipper to the San Juan Islands with the whale watching add on because the boat was broken, so that's the day we went to Bainbridge instead. That's okay though because we will have a new experience to have the next time, oh, and the Space Needle, too, we promised the children next time we would go up in the Space Needle. This time since it was rainy and overcast we did not see the point given that we will go back, especially since it was so relaxing despite all the running around.

I have to say this is the first vacation we have been on with the children that we did not need a vacation to recover from our vacation. On Monday it was back to work and trying to get back into the routine...

Three Ring Circus

2008-08-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

I thought I would follow up the previous circus post....

We went to the circus and wow is it different than I remember. It has much more of a Cirque de Soleil feel to it now than when I was a child. There was a little story line about the ring master constantly losing his hat at the mercy of the clown. The hat had quite a journey through the circus tent. Along the way it met with several of the usual circus acts, the motorcycle riding on the wire, the lion tamer act, the trapeze artists, and a few new acts, at least new to me. Then finally the celebration at the end when the hat returns to its rightful owner.

We did not buy the children any treats, a snow cone was $9.00, yes, that's right. It did come in a souvenir cup but we thought that was outrageously high. We did not look at any other goodies.

I have to say that although the circus was quite entertaining for the kids on a "how did they do that?" level, I strongly favor the circus for adults, Cirque de Soleil.

100 Pushups?

2008-08-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

By now you probably know that I work out often for release of the stress of everyday life. Today, I ran across a website that promises anyone can attain the goal of completing 100 push ups without a any rest in between sets. Check it out, I'm tempted to try it myself so look for my follow up post in a few weeks.

Life's A Circus

2008-08-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

That circus song, you know the little catchy tune, keeps swirling around in my head. I'm not sure how to get rid of it although I've tried.

We are scheduled to take the children to the the circus and I am pretty excited because I have not been there since I went with my grandparents when I was small. We were lucky enough to get group rate tickets. I say lucky because I checked the regular prices and the ringside seats go for around $200 each seat. Wow, now that set me in a tail spin. That would be $800 for a family of four, and it cannot be longer than a couple hours of entertainment.

There are not many tickets I would feel comfortable spending that much money for and the circus is not one of them. I think I'd rather take the family away for the weekend somewhere. It might cost a little more than $800 but it would be a weekend's worth of entertainment, not an hour or two!

Travels with Charlies

2008-08-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

We are going away for a few days and the children are old enough to help with packing but they still need some direction. So before we leave I tell them to get all their clothes out for how ever many days we will be gone. I have them pack an outfit with socks and underwear all in one stack and they should have as many stacks as days plus how ever many jammies they need.

My daughter is right on, I walk into her room and she has each outfit, including socks and underwear, in several little stacks, all totalling the number of stacks that I dictated. I take the stacks of my daughter's clothes and place them directly into the suitcase.

I move into my son, Max's, room and he, on the other hand, has one gigantic wad of clothing in the center of the floor. I look at Max and ask him if he'd like his clothes packed in the suitcase that way. He looks at me with that almost grin that he gets when he is not being fully truthful and says, "Yes." I explain that we will be away for a while and there is no way for me to tell if he has enough clothing, socks and underwear. He laughs, looks up from his DS for a second, or is it a nano-second, and says, "So?" My other concern is that sometimes the outfits don't match. Actually, matchy match is not that important to me but I do not want to be party to the clash that often happens (not the band but the look) if outfits are not at least passed over with a mother's eye.

I would let it slide but I'm sure that you know how it all becomes your fault when things do not work out and cause an uncomfortable situation. And I, for one, do not want to be sharing a car with a little boy who has to wear the same pair of underwear all week long! So I make him divide the wad into stacks, we change a few things around and pack up.

They are both getting a little better about doing a few things to help with getting ready for a trip. When mommy and daddy both work, we can use all the help we can get.

Yoga Heat

2008-08-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

I started taking a yoga class several weeks ago, actually I can thank my cousin for the thought but, I have really been enjoying the classes. There is something very cleansing, in more ways than one, about the class. I love the permission given to not think about anything else but your breath, and the "embrace and release" philosophy of all the thoughts that you cannot keep quiet. In this crazy life we all live, I'm sure you know exactly what I mean. Oh, and did I mention that it helps you become more limber or in some cases maintain your limberness. I was about as flexible as a dried out twig, now however I am about as limber as a half-dried twig, and in only a few weeks, so it definitely helps.

I am, in no sense of the word "granola" and I really enjoy the practice although I will admit that after years of high impact aerobics classes, the slower paced, inner-self focus did take a little getting used to. But, if you have not tried it, I encourage you to give it a try for a bit and see what you think. It really is a great workout with a relaxing twist.

Gymalicious

2008-08-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

I made my daily trek to the gym today. (I am trying to be religious about going to the gym because I finally decided that my children are way to old to use twin pregnancy as an excuse.) I am at the point where I am seeing some results and I miss it enough when I don't go that I wish I went. So, I digress!

I charge through the door and hand the desk attendant my card, grab my towels and am off to the locker room to change. As I round the corner on my way to change, I see a younger woman with a midriff top and low lying sweats standing on the gym floor with her compact open applying her blush! Okay, I'm not that young and would not be caught dead or otherwise in a mid riff top at this point in my life, see above for reason, but I am not jealous. Even in my super hot single days (that may be a little over stating the truth but) I did not care that much what I looked like at the gym, and even if I did I would not be caught giving up my secrets.

What is it about the gym that brings out the best in us?

Monday Blues

2008-08-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and I came to work to make the best of the day only to open my email and see that a project that I worked on so diligently at the end of last week (that wasn't even my project, by the way) has apparently become my problem.

Please don't get me wrong, I am more than a team player but when no one else steps up to do their part in furtherance of the team, why did I get stuck with the work and the criticism for something that was not done right long before I was involved and I only stepped in to fix? I received an email from the original person involved (I like to call these CYA memos), copied to half of the workforce, of course, trying to blame me for what was not done in the first place. Sheesh!

Although many a thought went through my head and I drafted many curt responses (only in my mind, though), I decided the best course was to just ignore the email and move on. I think I did the right thing in this instance because I'm sure that the situation would have escalated had I responded in any way, especially in the only way I felt capable at the time. Interesting, too, the person that sent that critical email is now sending me email that is almost sickly sweet, ugh! I am still thinking about recourse by going over the person's head but I'm also thinking that since I did not respond that person must be wondering what my next move will be. Maybe it's better to keep them wondering...

This was definitely one of those moments when I thought to myself, "Why am I doing this when I could be putting all these efforts toward my children instead?"

Routine - Hugs, Kisses and Misses

2008-08-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

As a mom who works, I have to drop my twin children off each morning and I usually do not see them at night because I am almost always home after they are asleep. To make it a little easier on us all we have a little morning routine. I wake them each morning with hugs and kisses. I help them with their sunscreen then while they get dressed I make their to go breakfast, something fast and easy like a waffle, yogurt, fruit, or an English muffin. Then it's off.

I drop them at school where they can sit and eat their breakfast. As they are sitting I give my daughter hugs and kisses which she still seems to thoroughly enjoy, tell her I love her because I don't think anyone can ever hear that too much, and I move on to my son, who is six, too. As I lean over to give him a hug and kisses, he squirms in his chair and tries to crawl under the table. I tell him I love him and he whispers back that he loves me too. Then I'm off for another day of work.

It's funny, while I was home with them I was continuously looking for something to do for work, now that I am working in an office environment again, I am trying to develop something to allow me more flexibility. I guess the grass is always greener!

Notes for Notice

2008-08-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

I think we all might be in the same boat and love to receive little notes in the mail, just a thanks or thinking of you or glad you're my friend note. I have to admit that I am terrible at sending the notes I so love to receive but always feel so special when I receive them. I actually went to the store and bought a few cards for some special people in my life and have not yet sent them, and that was months ago now.

Anyway, for those of you who actually do send notes or just like to collect or gift really cute note cards or accessories, check out Design-Her Gals site and order exactly what you need or ever thought you needed or didn't. I love that you can customize your gal (or guy) just the way you want them to be. Have fun!

Boston - Little Italy

2008-08-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

After I endured the pouring rain to within blocks of Little Italy, I was determined to make it a couple blocks further and have a nice Italian meal. Besides, I heard that the cannoli are excellent there and wanted to partake.

On the way to Lucia Ristaurante, a restaurant that several people I questioned recommended, I decided to detour to Paul Revere's house. It was just closing as I arrived so, unfortunately, I was unable to see the inside but I did walk across the street and take a photo just to show I'd been there. Then back to my original route on Hanover street, the main drag of Boston's Little Italy.

I arrived at Lucia's and stashed my umbrella with all the other black umbrellas at the door and made my way upstairs to the bar to have a glass of wine and some dinner. As I sat at the bar sipping a glass of wine and perusing the menu for dinner (all while not being interrupted by my twin children), my chat with the bartender reveals that the house specialty if lobster ravioli, yum! As you may have guessed, that is exactly what I ordered. And it was delicious!

After filling up, I ventured back into the wet weather and made my way to the subway to ride home. However on my way I passed a shop that was packed with people even in the inclement weather and curiosity got the best of me. I peeked in and saw the most tempting array of pastries. Of course, I had to indulge. I stepped inside Mike's Pastry Shop and was overwhelmed by the selection. I finally decided on a chocolate chip cannoli which they placed in a box and tied with string. As I continued on my way to the subway in the pouring rain I passed another crowded and fabulous looking pastry shop, Modern Pastry. Although tempted to indulge in another cannoli, I hadn't even so much as bitten into the one from Mike's so I thought better of it.

I boarded the subway, rode to my stop and disembarked. Walked back to my hotel and could not wait to get our of my wringing wet clothing. I showered and jumped into my pajamas. Called home and spoke with my children who were both wishing for their mommy to come home. Then fell asleep only to discover two days later that I had forgotten all about the cannoli that bought. It looked so good, too. Well, there is always next time!

Boston - The Freedom Trail

2008-08-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

I flew in late on a Wednesday night because of weather delays, I already told you it was wicked wet.

I checked into my worn yet historic digs at the Boston Park Plaza and caught a good night's sleep. The next morning I had a few meetings to attend and I was off. I decided to take the Freedom Trail Tour which begins at the Boston Common, a 50 acre park in the center of Boston that was originally the home to Indians, then puritans, then the British soldiers before they marched off to Lexington and Concord. I bought my ticket at the visitor center in Boston Commons from a nice fellow who provided me with so much information about the area I was almost overwhelmed. Then I had about 30 minutes to kill before tour time so I walked around the Commons and decided to hit the local CVS (luckily for me it was right across the street) and get a drink. I left and it started to sprinkle so I ducked back in to the CVS store in search of an umbrella. Alas, I found just the right one, actually it was the last one, for $10 and some change, and headed back to the tour staging area.

As soon as we started our walking tour the rain began to fall, again. Good thing I bought that umbrella! We left the starting point in front of the visitors' center at the Boston Commons and peered from under the canopy of the trees at the next stop, the New State House. After a lesson on the construction of the dome we moved on to the steps of the Park Street Church which was, back in the day, used as a gathering place where people were encouraged to speak. Notably, an anti-slavery speech was presented by Mr. Lloyd Garrison in the 1820s. Yes, that early.

We then moved on to the Granary Burying Ground. Apparently, not everyone was happy with our visit because no sooner did we step into the cemetery than the rain started to come down in buckets, well...I think it might have been barrels, and the lightening and thunder started to liven things up a bit, too. Our particular guide was most enthusiastic about this burial ground because of all the notables that were buried there (or had been buried there in the case of John Hancock, or was it John Adams?). The cemetery is the final resting place for such notables as the judge who presided over the Salem Witch Trials, three signers of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams, and Old Mother Hubbard whose tombstone was allegedly stolen by a fan of her work. After the stories while sloshing around in the mud and the threat of human remains rising to the surface in the cemetery that is home for approximate 20,000 others, we were all sopped, through our shoes and through our umbrellas.

We marched on to the lobby of the Boston Omni Parker Hotel, some of the rooms of which, as it was told to us, are no longer rented out because of the occurrences that might be thought of as hauntings. Other than that this hotel has been around for the likes of Charles Dickens who wrote and presented his piece A Christmas Carol, otherwise known as Scrooge. The restaurant in the ground floor is known to be where JFK proposed to Jackie O and many now or then famous persons worked there before attaining their fame status. After the ghost tales we ventured back out into the rain with our most optimistic guide who kept telling us that the rain would let up any minute.

On to Pi (apparently pronounced "Pee" by the locals) Alley which was the site of the Boston Tea party. No longer does this property edge up to the water though, over time the harbor has been filled in. But, when in Pi Alley while standing outside a Dunkin' Donuts that is housed there, we did a silly reenactment of the crowd on the day of the Tea Party. Everyone was told to yell really loud. I think we all agreed to participate because it was a longer respite form the wicked rainy weather. After our silly exercise, we headed out into the pouring rain, yet again.

We continued on to Faneuil Hall and the site of the Boston Massacre where the weather got the better of our guide so there our tour ended. But before the tour ended we were told that anyone can rent Faneuil Hall for free, all you have to do is sign up for the space during a certain time slot and it's yours. Now, that surprised me. Where else can you rent a piece of history for nothing?

While there and before moving on to Little Italy for dinner on my own, I did a little shopping for the kiddos. The tour was interesting enough but someday I'd like to do The entire Freedom Trail from beginning to end. It is good to have things to look forward to.

Boston - Wicked Rainy

2008-08-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Global warming in affect? Not sure. But, whether or not, Boston sure had some wicked weird weather this past month.

My flight to Boston was delayed by more than two hours because of "severe weather." Since I fly well but am not particularly fond of turbulence I braced myself for severe turbulence that always accompanies any kind of weather. I am happy to say that we encountered no turbulence which was almost a disappointment since I anticipated it the entire time we were in the air.

I experienced rainy weather almost my entire visit. I half expected rain as some places on the East Coast are very humid during the summer but I thought that the rain occurred in the late afternoon and hurriedly cleared out. Apparently, I was right! The locals that I spoke with affirmed that the weather was "wicked weird" and never like what I experienced.

Although the rain persisted, I had a wonderful visit and will probably go back someday (but not in the winter!).

The Walking City

2008-08-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

Boston is apparently billed out as "The Walking City" so the advertisements say. And I believe it! I walked everywhere while I was there because I was on my own with no children in tow. Had I had my children with me, I assure you, things would have been different.

One of the things I wanted to do was go to Fenway Park, I knew I did not have time to tour the park or see a game but I needed to get some official Boston gear for my son - special request. I walked into the visitor's center and asked for directions to Fenway. The kind fellow behind the counter briskly flipped out a map and showed me where I was staying and where I needed to go. (Mind you, this was all after he explained to me that Boston is very safe and you can walk just about anywhere.) He marked on the map the location of my hotel and then circled Fenway Park. From my inexperienced view point, it looked walkable. I asked the kind fellow if it was walkable and this was his response, "Oh no, that's too far. You need to get on the T [the Boston subway] and go two stops." Can you imagine the look on my face? I work in a large city and any subway that you only have to take for two stops, most walkable!

I chose to take the subway anyway because other intelligence I had suggested that the Yankees were in town and they close off the official store when it gets close to game time. I did not want to chance missing my opportunity. I found the official team store, made my purchases which were a "red hat with a B on it", "a red jacket with a B on it", and a surprise t shirt, red, of course, that has Matsuzaka's name on it in Japanese kana characters.

I'm sure these items will be a hit assuming my luggage ever finds its way back to me. But that's another story.

Travels to Boston

2008-07-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I left my twins, my husband, and my home for what was supposed to be five days to visit the beautiful City of Boston. Although the weather was wicked wet (for those who have not been to Boston it is apparently correct for Bostonians to use "wicked" as the adjective for anything and everything), since I do not recall my previous travel to Boston, I decided not to let that stop me. Read on for the tales of my travel.

Drive Bys

2008-07-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when someone in a car honks and waves, people stop to see who it is? Oh, I guess it could be Obama?

I work in a fairly large metropolis and on my way back from the gym this evening a cab honked it's horn several times and a person riding in the back stuck out his arm (pretty sure by the size and the hair it was a man) waving like a maniac. I'm thinking, like anyone is going to look long enough to figure out of the incessant noise and obnoxious wave is aimed at someine in particular, why don't you just have the cabbie stop and jump out for a second, or better yet whip out your cell phone, after all you are not driving! Well, to my utter amazement several people stopped to see who it was that was waving and honking.

What's up with that?

Hello

2008-07-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

I have started this blog to portray the life of a mom of twins who works outside the home. I intend to share with you the rantings, ravings, and observations of my daily life, so no focus on any real area of interest, just general occurrences during my commute, activities, and interactions (or non interactions) with different people during my day. I hope you enjoy a look at life through my eyes.