Bossman and I had a little chat today, tieing up loose ends before my last few days pass. He looked right at me and said point blank...
"You're really not going to just be a stay at home mom are you?" said with disdain.
Wow. Don't hold back bossman. Is that such a horrible thing that I would put my career on a temporary hold to raise my own children? What a crazy idea right? To want to be home with my own children (I say children because we plan to try for anther next year).
I told him that I plan to do consulting and find a part time teaching job as an adjunct and that seemed to calm his fears for poor Jen wasting her education to raise her kids.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Let the Adventure Begin
T-minus 3 weeks until husband is shipped off to San Antonio for his training, and T-minus 7 weeks until this family ships off to Austin. Adventure 1: Finding a home
This is going to be a doozy. Husband and I already exchanged some words on our differing expectations on what we want our living situation to be. Husband is a little delusional sometimes. Husband thinks that it would be glamorous to live downtown and be urbanites. He forgets I think that we have a crazy toddler and 65 lb yellow lab that are moving with us to. I think he has this delusional idea in his head that we're a yuppy dink (double income no kids) and he forgets we're going to be a single income with baggage. I think he also has a morphed idea of what 1,000 a month gets you in a city where it is desirable to live downtown.
I myself and torn between the lure of being a young urban family and the lure of a more suburban quiet area where we can have a nice bigger home for the same price as the rustic downtown apartment. I've been eagerly scouring craigslist and zillow rent sites to see what's available in our desirable price-range that's not totally in suburbia, but close to his new workplace and close to downtown fun.
I've found a really great condo I like with a kitchen to die for. Kitchens a big draw for us, we cook A LOT and spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The kicker is this place is $200 more than we wanted to spend. Not $200 more than we can afford, but spend. So now I'll have to sit down with our budget and see what's realistic. Oh the fun.... (NOT).
We also have to tie up the lose ends of renting our house. We have 4 other people than our originally intended friend that are interested. So the friend we had in mind originally needs to make up her mind and seal the deal or we're moving on to the other contenders....Atleast it's not stressful finding someone I guess.
Oh Joy. Have a great night!
This is going to be a doozy. Husband and I already exchanged some words on our differing expectations on what we want our living situation to be. Husband is a little delusional sometimes. Husband thinks that it would be glamorous to live downtown and be urbanites. He forgets I think that we have a crazy toddler and 65 lb yellow lab that are moving with us to. I think he has this delusional idea in his head that we're a yuppy dink (double income no kids) and he forgets we're going to be a single income with baggage. I think he also has a morphed idea of what 1,000 a month gets you in a city where it is desirable to live downtown.
I myself and torn between the lure of being a young urban family and the lure of a more suburban quiet area where we can have a nice bigger home for the same price as the rustic downtown apartment. I've been eagerly scouring craigslist and zillow rent sites to see what's available in our desirable price-range that's not totally in suburbia, but close to his new workplace and close to downtown fun.
I've found a really great condo I like with a kitchen to die for. Kitchens a big draw for us, we cook A LOT and spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The kicker is this place is $200 more than we wanted to spend. Not $200 more than we can afford, but spend. So now I'll have to sit down with our budget and see what's realistic. Oh the fun.... (NOT).
We also have to tie up the lose ends of renting our house. We have 4 other people than our originally intended friend that are interested. So the friend we had in mind originally needs to make up her mind and seal the deal or we're moving on to the other contenders....Atleast it's not stressful finding someone I guess.
Oh Joy. Have a great night!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The birth of a shoe addiction?
Don't mind the lack of pedicure. I had to share you these friggin' adorable shoes. I don't know what's come over me these last few weeks. Those of you that know me in real life or have read my blog long enough to see the repeated demonstrations of my "mommy frumpiness" are probably thinking, since when does Jen wear girly high heals and care about fashion? I know, I'm thinking the same thing! I never wanted to be all girly and put together. Something clicked in me these last few weeks (maybe it's my fashionable office mate that comes in looking all cute and put together daily), or maybe it's a "oh my god I"m almost 30" phase, or maybe it's all these changes in my life that have triggered a girly metamorphasis, or who knows....
So Saturday afternoon my husband wanted to go shopping. He wanted cologne (his was literally bone dry and he has used every last drop), and I needed socks. He dragged me into the shoe section of Kohls and made me try on 6 pairs of shoes. I found these flowered shoes and thought "oh my god those are so cute but so not me...." He convinced me to buy them (on sale for $33!) and away we went.
It's not just shoes though, I've been really inspired lately to glam things up a little more. I have tried to make my hair a little more polished looking and tried to get out of my comfort zone with my attire. It's not much, but it's a start.
Today fashionable office mate and me spent 2 hours in forever 21 trying on necklaces. I branched out a little and I'm really happy with my purchases. We'll have to see if I can keep branching out. I told my husband not to be surprised if he comes home and I'm wearing my Nike gym shorts sometimes too *which I just got three pairs off ebay new for $18.99!
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| Me and Mimi today |
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| My man the shoe-lover. |
Saturday, April 9, 2011
I always found time to shower....
I have followed Carlathebubblelush since she found out she was pregnant live on camera a year and a half ago. I've always found her to be very friendly and educated. I was not so impressed with her recent video:
She talks a lot about "life after baby." I didn't particularly agree with her take on life after baby and her advice to new parents. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt on her comments since her baby is only 6 months---listen to me here acting like the smug all-knowing mom. Really this post isn't a criticism of her, because I've heard a lot of moms make the same comments.
"I don't even have time to shower"
"I am so busy I forgot to eat"
"my baby-less friends just don't get how complicated my life is now"
"taking the baby out is such a production, so stressful, you have to remember so much!"
Let's address these comments one by one.
Showering. My one friend said this same thing to me. Not having time to shower. I've heard a dozen moms say it. Seriously? How long do y'all shower? I mean I never had time to fully shave my legs and sit there letting the hot water hit me for 20 minutes, but I had time to wash my hair, face, feet, important bits, etc. I never had time to blowdry and flat iron my hair, but I did comb it. I didn't have time to put on glam makeup, but I threw on some moisturizer and concealer (especially since my face looked like a pizza after Mimi was born).
Forgetting to eat. Never had this problem (obvious from my waistline). What's funny is when I was home with Mimi fulltime, I did meal planning, bargain shopping, home-cooked gourmet meals nightly, and all by 6pm. Since I starting working fulltime, if my husband doesn't cook, I eat cereal and feed Mimi scrambled eggs and peas.
My baby-less friends just don't understand--well this is give and take. I hate to sound smug and say that people without kids just don't get what it's like to have kids. I think the child-less ones just don't fully grasp the shittyness of being hungover the next day with a toddler demanding you to repeatedly stack blocks and blow bubbles for them when you have a headache that could kill a horse. The child-less ones don't fully grasp the concept of never getting to sleep in....ever again--unless you're lucky enough to have inlaws or great friends that keep your kid overnight for you occasionally. I think sometimes the child-less ones forget that not all restaurants are toddler friendly when they invite you to dine with the gang.....I don't think the child-less ones have lives any less fulfilling or busy than mine.
Taking the baby out is so stressful/difficult etc....Man oh man. When I had an infant I thought this too. Now, (here comes my smug-all-knowing-mom-advice) I clearly see that taking a toddler out is way more stressful. For one, they're bigger, they are harder to wrangle, they yell louder (and can say actually words), and they can run away from you....surprisingly fast.....and you can't use your boobs to instantly pacify them and send them into sleepyland.
Now, I tell this to anyone that asks. Having Mimi (not just birth, but life) was/is the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most amazing. I have less sleep, money, sanity, time alone, time with my husband, time with friends, etc., but I am happier than I've ever been. Given the chance to do anything, I love to just cuddle and play with my kid. She's my world. Yes being a parent is hard work, but worth every minute, every sacrifice, every lost Saturday morning of sleeping in......
She talks a lot about "life after baby." I didn't particularly agree with her take on life after baby and her advice to new parents. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt on her comments since her baby is only 6 months---listen to me here acting like the smug all-knowing mom. Really this post isn't a criticism of her, because I've heard a lot of moms make the same comments.
"I don't even have time to shower"
"I am so busy I forgot to eat"
"my baby-less friends just don't get how complicated my life is now"
"taking the baby out is such a production, so stressful, you have to remember so much!"
Let's address these comments one by one.
Showering. My one friend said this same thing to me. Not having time to shower. I've heard a dozen moms say it. Seriously? How long do y'all shower? I mean I never had time to fully shave my legs and sit there letting the hot water hit me for 20 minutes, but I had time to wash my hair, face, feet, important bits, etc. I never had time to blowdry and flat iron my hair, but I did comb it. I didn't have time to put on glam makeup, but I threw on some moisturizer and concealer (especially since my face looked like a pizza after Mimi was born).
Forgetting to eat. Never had this problem (obvious from my waistline). What's funny is when I was home with Mimi fulltime, I did meal planning, bargain shopping, home-cooked gourmet meals nightly, and all by 6pm. Since I starting working fulltime, if my husband doesn't cook, I eat cereal and feed Mimi scrambled eggs and peas.
My baby-less friends just don't understand--well this is give and take. I hate to sound smug and say that people without kids just don't get what it's like to have kids. I think the child-less ones just don't fully grasp the shittyness of being hungover the next day with a toddler demanding you to repeatedly stack blocks and blow bubbles for them when you have a headache that could kill a horse. The child-less ones don't fully grasp the concept of never getting to sleep in....ever again--unless you're lucky enough to have inlaws or great friends that keep your kid overnight for you occasionally. I think sometimes the child-less ones forget that not all restaurants are toddler friendly when they invite you to dine with the gang.....I don't think the child-less ones have lives any less fulfilling or busy than mine.
Taking the baby out is so stressful/difficult etc....Man oh man. When I had an infant I thought this too. Now, (here comes my smug-all-knowing-mom-advice) I clearly see that taking a toddler out is way more stressful. For one, they're bigger, they are harder to wrangle, they yell louder (and can say actually words), and they can run away from you....surprisingly fast.....and you can't use your boobs to instantly pacify them and send them into sleepyland.
Now, I tell this to anyone that asks. Having Mimi (not just birth, but life) was/is the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most amazing. I have less sleep, money, sanity, time alone, time with my husband, time with friends, etc., but I am happier than I've ever been. Given the chance to do anything, I love to just cuddle and play with my kid. She's my world. Yes being a parent is hard work, but worth every minute, every sacrifice, every lost Saturday morning of sleeping in......
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Weaning....and not about a baby....
Today I had my cardiac stress test. For those of you that are like WTF does she need a cardiac stress test for? I'll catch you up. 2 months ago I went to the doc for migraines, found out I was hypertensive, was put on bp meds, have felt like crap every since. I'm in the process of going through testing to determine the cause of my hypertension.
1. Stress from my job? Probably
2. Genetic predisposition? Possible but not probable at my age
3. Renal issues? 50% sure no
4. Cardiac issues? Nope
So today they hooked me up to a treadmill and ran me hard. Well, they slowly amped up the treadmill until I hit 180 bpm, all while monitoring my bp, heart, and oxygen. It was kind of futuristic. My ticker performed awesomely. I also got to see an ultrasound of my heart which was hella cool. Seriously....I got to see all the valves and chambers just pumping away. God bless modern science and blue cross blue shield.
The results?
Nothing. My ticker is fine. My results all normal. I got what I wanted----I am cleared to run AND most importantly, they are going to wean me off my meds. My kidney ultrasound last week was also normal, the last test is an MRI of my vessels leading to my kidneys. If that tests comes back normal, is really could just have boiled down to the ol' job. Well the ol' job is done. I resigned Friday. My last day is April 20.
I hope to be off bp meds by this fall.
Oh the doctor told me I should lose 10-15 more pounds. Geesh, thanks skinny frail asian cardiologist for telling me something that plagues me everyday!
1. Stress from my job? Probably
2. Genetic predisposition? Possible but not probable at my age
3. Renal issues? 50% sure no
4. Cardiac issues? Nope
So today they hooked me up to a treadmill and ran me hard. Well, they slowly amped up the treadmill until I hit 180 bpm, all while monitoring my bp, heart, and oxygen. It was kind of futuristic. My ticker performed awesomely. I also got to see an ultrasound of my heart which was hella cool. Seriously....I got to see all the valves and chambers just pumping away. God bless modern science and blue cross blue shield.
The results?
Nothing. My ticker is fine. My results all normal. I got what I wanted----I am cleared to run AND most importantly, they are going to wean me off my meds. My kidney ultrasound last week was also normal, the last test is an MRI of my vessels leading to my kidneys. If that tests comes back normal, is really could just have boiled down to the ol' job. Well the ol' job is done. I resigned Friday. My last day is April 20.
I hope to be off bp meds by this fall.
Oh the doctor told me I should lose 10-15 more pounds. Geesh, thanks skinny frail asian cardiologist for telling me something that plagues me everyday!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tags or Tagless
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| Meet Christa, who showed up to a baby shower and inadvertently matched the decorations perfectly... |
The other day she had on this really cute sweater thingy, and I said "Christa, I really like your sweater, where did you get it?" and she explained to me that she didn't know because she takes her tags off of her clothes when she gets them. At first I thought, man that is just crazy. But then she explained that when she sees what store the clothes come from she perceived the clothes and having different "value" solely based upon the label. She said once she started removing the labels she saw her clothes for what they were, and even treat her clothes differently. Now I may be paraphrasing her a little here, so she'll have to forgive me.....
As I was folding laundry the other day, I thought, he there's something to this. I totally judge the value of my clothing by what I paid for it, and what the label says. Bad judgmental me. As I clean out my closet in the moving process I will be getting rid of stuff that doesn't fit and I don't wear, regardless of the price I paid for it. Why hold on to stuff that it 3 sizes too big I was a 16/18, not I'm a 10/12)? I did save a few things for myself that were larger for post-partum when having more kids, but that's it. You know that 2 months where you look like a blown out tire?
I don't think I'm going to attack my clothes with scissors and slice off all the labels, but I'm going to try to take Christa's approach more.
Today I almost wore a dress to work that I made myself, but I felt it was a little too short for the office.....I'll have to show you guys my creation, it is the first thing I've made that I would wear out of the house....score, I got the fabric for 2 bucks.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Randomness of my Saturday...
So today I went for a morning run. I generally don't run in morning, but now that the heat is amped up here in Florida, I figured I should take advantage of the cool breezy morning while I could. I've stopped pushing myself while running. Now I just run as far and fast as I want, and if I get tired, I walk a little, and I don't beat myself up about it. Tuesday is my cardio stress test, if I pass with flying colors, I won't worry about pushing myself, but I'll continue to try to remember that I run to enjoy it, so if should be enjoyable.
While I'm running I have the most random thoughts.....here are some of the.
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Don't you just laugh when you see a big burly guy walking a tiny toy dog? Today I saw a big burly cuban looking guy with a teacup size dog. For Realz.
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Why do people need expensive gear to run? Running is so primal. Why do we feel like we need to spend so much money on the clothes we sweat in? I understand the purpose of buying clothes that move with you well, a bra that supports you well, and shoes that support and cushion your feet. I mean they sell 20 dollar running socks, really? You need 20 dollar socks to sweat in? My favorites that are worth the money:
1. Women's Nike Dri Fit Running Shorts - I have 3 pairs, I have worn and washed the crap out of them for three years and they are still going strong. Never bunch up, ride, or any of that nonsense. More than I like to pay for them, but a good buy in my opinion. I pretty much will be living in them once I'm a SAHM again. For Realz.
2. New Balance 992 Running Shoes - Ugliest friggin' shoes I've ever owned, but after 2 knee surgeries and a broken ankle, these shoes have not done me wrong.
I told the hubs that I want to buy a new job stroller. Ours we got used for $20 and it veers to one side and is big, heavy and bulky. If I am going to a SAHM, that is on my short list of things to save for. Have toddler, must run (with jogger that doesn't veer sideways). Now go ahead and leave a comment that I cam contradicting myself by saying "who needs expensive running stuff" then saying I need a new jog stroller.....then come over and run a mile with my jog stroller and tell me it's not horrible....
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Why do youtube moms get all pissed off when they get comments they don't like about their parenting? For real ladies, you make these videos, make them public, want people to watch them, then wonder how can people be so judgmental and leave these comments!? waaa waaa waaa (sound of baby crying obnoxiously). Be realistic, not everyone will like you, not everyone has tact, and surprise surprise....not everyone agrees with you. Also realize that when you make your videos and spew out all of your parenting advice, expect some of it back. Or just ignore the and get over it.
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Well how could I put up a post without putting an obnoxious amount of Mimi photos?! We busted out the inflatable swimming pool today. I sat out there and let her play with the while it filled. It was truly relaxing. I felt kind of bad letting her use too much water, as I'm always telling her that the kids in Haiti don't even have clean water to drink....anyway...
While I'm running I have the most random thoughts.....here are some of the.
------------------
Don't you just laugh when you see a big burly guy walking a tiny toy dog? Today I saw a big burly cuban looking guy with a teacup size dog. For Realz.
------------------
Why do people need expensive gear to run? Running is so primal. Why do we feel like we need to spend so much money on the clothes we sweat in? I understand the purpose of buying clothes that move with you well, a bra that supports you well, and shoes that support and cushion your feet. I mean they sell 20 dollar running socks, really? You need 20 dollar socks to sweat in? My favorites that are worth the money:
1. Women's Nike Dri Fit Running Shorts - I have 3 pairs, I have worn and washed the crap out of them for three years and they are still going strong. Never bunch up, ride, or any of that nonsense. More than I like to pay for them, but a good buy in my opinion. I pretty much will be living in them once I'm a SAHM again. For Realz.
2. New Balance 992 Running Shoes - Ugliest friggin' shoes I've ever owned, but after 2 knee surgeries and a broken ankle, these shoes have not done me wrong.
I told the hubs that I want to buy a new job stroller. Ours we got used for $20 and it veers to one side and is big, heavy and bulky. If I am going to a SAHM, that is on my short list of things to save for. Have toddler, must run (with jogger that doesn't veer sideways). Now go ahead and leave a comment that I cam contradicting myself by saying "who needs expensive running stuff" then saying I need a new jog stroller.....then come over and run a mile with my jog stroller and tell me it's not horrible....
------------------
Why do youtube moms get all pissed off when they get comments they don't like about their parenting? For real ladies, you make these videos, make them public, want people to watch them, then wonder how can people be so judgmental and leave these comments!? waaa waaa waaa (sound of baby crying obnoxiously). Be realistic, not everyone will like you, not everyone has tact, and surprise surprise....not everyone agrees with you. Also realize that when you make your videos and spew out all of your parenting advice, expect some of it back. Or just ignore the and get over it.
------------------
Well how could I put up a post without putting an obnoxious amount of Mimi photos?! We busted out the inflatable swimming pool today. I sat out there and let her play with the while it filled. It was truly relaxing. I felt kind of bad letting her use too much water, as I'm always telling her that the kids in Haiti don't even have clean water to drink....anyway...
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| Me trying to tan my Michael Jackson white legs...... |
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| I love my husband. He is such a sweet papa. |
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| I would by Mimi of ebay...she's that cute.... |
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