Aimee's Confessions

Most Consecutive Days Workng Out Ever

2010-06-20T19:22:00.002-04:00

I made it through 7 days of working out. I have never worked out this many days in a row. I realized I don't care about weight loss so much, but I do want to improve my muscle tone to have better sculpting. So why the sudden interest? I saw Sherri Shepherd from the View talking about her weight loss and she admitted she hates working out but looks at it like brushing your teeth, it's just something you have to do. That was a light bulb moment. I kept thinking if I just found the right activity, I would then like working out. I kept waiting to have the switch flipped and then it wouldn't be a chore, it would be a hobby. Thank you, Sherri, for making me realize that won't happen. The next step was finding a workout I could tolerate. Thus I found the Shred. At least the results from working out make you happier while brushing your teeth just makes you tolerable to other people.

Keeping Me Honest-Shredding It

2010-06-18T17:40:00.001-04:00

Today is day 5 of the 30 day shred. I think my friends on FB are getting tired of seeing that I worked out but I realized the accountability it gave me is what I need. Thus, daily I will post work out reports on my blog so as not to become dull.

Day 5 went well. Still on level 1 and plan on staying there for a bit. When I get to the last strength circuit, that is when I start to crumble. I am thankful to have the cardio back just to avoid more weights. I give myself 5 more days to get over that and "master" level 1.

I love that this 20 minutes and is effective, not cheesy. The DVD is on sale at Target right now for only $9! Join the Shred!

I Like Black Beans

2010-04-11T20:13:00.002-04:00

I'm a firm believer that forcing things on others rarely obtains the desired result. Persuasion is much more effective and perhaps the "why" behind it might help to. When you allow another to have some voice or control, it's easier to get them on board. For example, my dad used to force me to try new things as a kid. I was a picky eater. Instead of it being about expanding my limited pallet, it became a power struggle. And guess what, I was stubborn. It's only been in the last 10 years that I've tried lots of new things. With my kids, I only ask them to try something I think they will like (so I build a trust) and hold true to the number of bites they have to eat. Only one if they don't like it. The low pressure has paid off. A few weeks ago I tried something I have avoided my entire life...black beans. And I liked it. For all you parents out there with picky eaters, give them some space. If you can't get them to eat what you want, hide it in a smoothie.

Day 2

2010-03-29T16:23:00.002-04:00

Last night was Lucy's first night home in a crate. I prepared myself for a sleepless night, waking up every few hours to let her out. I did not plan on a massive thunderstorm that would prevent me from letting her outside. The rain didn't start until 11pm and I set myself up on the couch with Lucy in her crate on the floor. Lights were off, TV still on to offer a sound buffer for the others in the house, and then she started to cry. I reached my hand down to the crate and stuck a few fingers through. Within a minute she settled down and started to relax. I was shocked. And so i stayed the majority of the night, my arm hanging off the couch and twisted to reach the gate. But it worked. She spent all night there with one 4am potty stop, which was a puppy pee pad in the kitchen. My arm and wrist are sore and strained today but yet that was a small price to pay for sleep. This morning went well even though she had several accidents in the house. It turns out unless she's whining or sniffing, she doesn't want to go outside immediately after waking up. I tended to be too quick to get her outside only to have her pee three minutes later after she gathered her senses. Hopefully by the end of the week we wi ll have our routine down.

Lucy is Home!

2010-03-28T21:03:00.002-04:00

Today we went to the breeders and picked up Miss Lucy. This was her first car ride and she handled it like a pro. She fell asleep on my lap with two boys fawning over her on each side. She is so small! I forgot how tiny they are. She might weigh 2 and half pounds, but not much more. This is an exciting time for the family and we are looking forward to learning and growing together. I will post more antics soon, but for now, our little Lucy just wants to sleep. I'm sure that will change when I'm ready for bed.

3 More Days Until Lucy!

2010-03-25T20:01:00.004-04:00

It is Thursday and we pick up Lucy on Sunday. We have all our supplies now and are so excited! The other day the breeder sent over some more pictures. It was an "OMG" moment because the pictures were SO cute. Three more days.

Food Revolution: Are You In?

2010-03-24T19:51:00.002-04:00

In case you've missed it, Jamie Oliver has a new show on ABC called "Food Revolution." Here he exposes the reality of the American school system's food program...and it's about time. When I look at my son's lunch menu, the sides are healthy, but the main entree rarely is. Pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, Hot Pockets, nuggets. These items are offered every week. Obviously the school doesn't use grass fed beef or turkey hot dogs. Is this really what we want our kids eating? Breakfast is MUCH worse ranging from cinnamon rolls, sausage biscuit, waffles, or pancakes. I am in the south, so chicken biscuits is on there too. Ok, take out the fat and calories for a minute...do you know how many other preservatives are in the food to make it last? The ingredient lists read like a science experiment. Please, if you care what your children eat, visit Jamie Oliver's website and sign the petition for our Food Revolution. http://www.jamiesfoodrevolution.com/petition .

6 Days Left!

2010-03-22T15:52:00.003-04:00

Six days left. We have everything needed and are ALL excited. It's helping Connor deal with losing Bindi (he finally talked about it) and Logan is happy to have dog chores again. Every time I have the chance to sit and chill, I do, knowing that this time is short lived. I keep looking at all these dog books on the market but so many of them tell me all the BASICS, which I'm way past. I've decided one book is enough, and the internet will be my other resource. Next task, making a vet appointment!

Countdown to Lucy's Homecoming

2010-03-17T22:51:00.002-04:00

In a few weeks we will bring home our puppy, Miss Lucy, our Boston terrier. We are making preparations for the big day and talking with the kids to decide who is responsible for what. The last time we raised a puppy, we were in college. Now we have jobs and kids that demand more of our time. I am treating this experience like the arrival of a baby. Not literally, but in terms of time commitments, sacrifice, and change, then yes. The payoff will be well worth it, a new member of our family. This will be the dog the boys share their formative years with. In 10 years, Logan will be driving and Connor will be 13. (Yikes, 10 years from now sounds like hell.) I am going into this with my eyes wide open and my heart ready to melt. Now who's bringing the coffee?

Taco Night

2010-01-03T19:38:00.002-05:00

Tonight was Logan's birthday and I made one of his favorites...tacos. I gathered all my ingredients: beef, tortillas, cheese, shredded lettuce, and seasoning...wait, I ran out of taco seasoning packets. What was I to do? Taco meat needed more than cooked beef. No more trips to the store, but I had to try something. As usual, Food Network came to the rescue with a simple taco recipe. Onions, cumin, garlic, salt, chili powder, and tomato paste plus beef equals really awesome tacos. The big lesson was how absolutely awesome cumin is (it's that extra seasoning that makes the kitchen smell like tacos!). Logan finished his taco in record time. I like to think it was because it tasted so awesome and had nothing to do with his new Lego sets in waiting. Regardless, I realized I CAN make tacos without a seasoning packet, have them taste good, and reduce our sodium intake dramatically. I love when recipes work.

A New Year's Eve Treat-Awesome Pork BBQ

2010-01-01T09:47:00.002-05:00

I always make it a point to have some of my favorite foods on New Year's Eve. This year I had something I didn't plan on but kept me happy all day long-hand pulled pork bbq from Pik N Pig. No knife was needed, it melted in your mouth. The dry rub produced an awesome bark that added another layer of flavor to the perfectly seasoned meat. Oh, so good. Lean and juicy, the pork was accompanied with fresh hush puppies (I think I ate 7 or 8 through out the day), baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw (creamy and tangy), cornbread muffins, and dinner rolls. Everything was top notch. While this meal was catered from Pik n Pig, I can hardly wait to take a road trip to Carthage, North Carolina and experience it first hand. In a state known for the whole hog style of bbq, Pik n Pig sticks to roasting Boston butts alone to ensure a consistent product. Generous portions and reasonable prices make this a destination spot. However you pull it, this is truly some of the best pulled pork I have ever had.

Welcome!

2009-12-26T08:37:00.002-05:00

A new year is almost here and that naturally leads people to look at the past year and their future. When I look back at 2009, it was a year of change. When I look ahead to 2010, I want it to be a year of health, fun, and good food. I have always been passionate about food, but it wasn't until the past few months that I have accepted what I am, a Foodie. Now I want to share my passion with Foodies and friends alike. Enjoy the new blog this New Year!

Enjoying the Trees

2009-09-03T15:02:00.000-04:00

We have been in North Carolina for 2 weeks now. The landscape looms large against the backdrop of new construction and established communities. You go 5 miles in most directions and you start heading to the country. Go 20 miles and you are in the country. The days before I return to work are peaceful and simple. My favorite thing is picking up Logan from school and hearing about his day and how he finally learned the name of the friend who tells jokes like him. The independence is in full swing and soon our daily routine will return to chaotic. I treasure this time, but not the potty training with Connor. That's just a mess...daily.

8 Days Left

2009-08-11T07:46:00.000-04:00

Crunch time. All of the last minute details that need to get done seem to pile up quickly. It's different when things must be done versus self imposed deadlines. I won't miss the traffic and road construction or my long drive to work. 4 days left at the store but I'm not great with good byes. I feel a bit useless.

12 Days and Counting

2009-08-07T19:57:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is our going away bash/Connor's 3rd birthday party and I am excited. I look forward to seeing friends and family and sharing one last event at our house. Tonight Connor hit baseballs off the tee (and did really well) while Logan spontaneously started prepping for the party by putting the kids juice boxes in a bowl. My little party planner! As I look around the house, there's very little left to go through. Jeremy has gotten rid of all of the random crap in the basement and we are left with things we want. I went upstairs to go through a closet only to realize everything in it was coming with us. Our last few days in Michigan will be spent doing home improvements and hanging out with our neighbors. Adam, Meagan-I don't talk about it much to keep it light, but I will miss you all very much. I stare out at my lilac bush, my one must in landscaping, and see how much it's grown in the past four years. I wonder how much things will change over the next four.

14 Days Before We Pack

2009-08-03T08:08:00.002-04:00

The countdown is on. We have 2 weeks left in Michigan before the movers come. It's so hard to believe it's almost here! There are so many last minute details that I get a headache thinking about all of them. We still have stray furniture left to get rid of so if you come over for a party, expect to leave with more than what you came with. Who needs a chair? What about olive oil? Fish sauce? We can't take liquids so we have a lot up for grabs. We will finish the alcohol at either the birthday/going away party or the block party the following week. It's odd to get rid of so much yet very freeing.

Raleigh Here We Come!

2009-06-06T08:45:00.002-04:00

At the end of August, we are moving to Raleigh, North Carolina! We are very excited to start our new adventure yet sad to leave our family and friends behind. This is the state we wanted to move to over the others so we are absolutely thrilled with the news. Any tips or advice about the best places to eat, see, and live in the Raleigh area would b greatly appreciated.

Aimee is MAD

2009-06-05T08:45:00.003-04:00

Yesterday my lovely city issued an emergency water ban until further notice. This means no watering grass, flowers, gardens, washing cars, or swimming pools this summer. Are you serious? So my lawn we have worked so hard at to get in good shape is now going to burn??? Does New Haven really need help loosing home values with something like this? Houses are already going for HALF of what we paid 6 years ago. Do I understand that some people in the village are having water pressure issues? Yes. Has this been going on for 6 years and yet city council has failed to do ANYTHING about it? Yes. Mike Barnet, I understand you have a job to do and accept you have to make unpopular decisions. Who am I mad at? The Village. The Village of New Haven has let internal political turmoil dominate the landscape and only rarely addressing true issues of importance. We have pushed the water system to its breaking point and now we are forced to make quick decisions to rectify the situation. Guess what, I don't care. I'm sorry if the Village doens't want to feel pressured into making a decision, but guess what, you have brought it on yourself. Fix the system and allow watering again. This is now VERY personal. Click here to see the story.

Snow Economy

2009-04-06T08:49:00.002-04:00

Snow in April. Yes, it's Michigan, and yes, it's happened before, but it doesn't make it right. Do we need an environmental rant about global warming? No. Have you noticed when we don't like the weather we blame global warming? Even though weather patterns change over centuries, clearly this round is based on what we are doing (with all of our 150 years of recorded weather and all.) Maybe the snow is like a reality check. Just because things seem to be going well, like no snow, doesn't mean you're out of the woods yet. It's a nice cautionary lesson for the economy. I think we have one more disaster out there before we see the true signs of recovery.

Cheap Ways to Clean the Clutter

2009-03-23T13:57:00.002-04:00

Frugal is in again. Instead of talking about what we just bought, we talk about how much we saved. So in these frugal times, we also look to simplify. When we simplify, we also tend to organize. Beware! This can lead you to a trap-buying things to help you organize and simplify. How great is it to go to the store and arm yourself for the impending project with plastic containers to keep things put away? The promise of what's to come can stray you from the initial path, being frugal. Many plastic containers later, I realize if you don't commit to change, you end up with stuff you don't want to deal with in plastic containers while your closet or pantry slowly grows full of crap again. In keeping with the frugal approach, I recently organized my spice shelf with a home made shelf instead of buying a new one. This allowed me to test my new system without a financial investment. I took three plastic cups I don't use and put two pieces of cardboard on top, spanning the width of the shelf, to create another shelf. Then I took the rectangle spice tins and alphabetized them on top. Jeremy looked at it and laughed. "I would have bought you a shelf," he said. I looked at it and smiled. I got the desired result, an organized spice shelf, and I didn't spend any money.

Calm from the Cold

2009-02-19T12:45:00.003-05:00

Connor is sick. He has a bad cold and a fever. If you know my two year old, then you know he doesn't stop for anything. Yesterday he ran around the house coughing and dripping everywhere. Last night his fever kicked in and he spent the morning sleeping on me. He has no appetite but is drinking plenty. The calm around the house from him actually sitting still for once is amazing. While I want my little one to feel better (and he is), I'm really enjoying his energy level down a notch. That might be a little wrong, but I think I can live with it.

Bouncing Fun for Kids, Easy for Parents

2009-02-07T20:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I took the boys to a local indoor bounce house. This is a giant play area for kids with 5 inflatable bounce houses where kids can run in and out all they want for 90 minutes, plus FREE arcade games. This little outing provided the kids with a great activity and me the peace of mind that they could run crazy and not get into trouble. They loved it. I enjoyed playing a hunting arcade game where I could choose my weapon and hunt either bear or moose. The mild animal violence was a highlight for me. Logan and Connor preferred the slides. Today Logan wanted to go back. Sadly I had to tell him we could only go to the bounce house once per month. He keeps asking me when it will be March.

My Favorite Foods for 2009

2009-01-10T10:11:00.002-05:00

Start the new year off right and enjoy these healthy foods that will keep you on the right track.

1. Non-Fat Greek Yogurt. Low in fat and high in protein, use it in place of sour cream or sweeten it with berries and honey for a great breakfast.

2. Gardenburger Riblets. Are you sure it's not a McRib? Textured soy protein never tasted so good! The delicious bbq sauce sets this high above the real thing. Three minutes in the microwave and you are on your way to good eats.

3. Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers. With chunks of vegetables and a nice crisp crunch after spending 6 minutes under the broiler, this is a great way to get a full serving of veggies in a tasty package.

4. Apple slices in a Bag. Originally I thought these were the ultimate in laziness, why buy slices when you can cut up an apple? Then I had kids. The convenience of healthy snacking is fabulous, for kids of all ages.

5. Sprouted wheat bread. Sounds incredibly healthy which means it must taste bad, right? Wrong! The sprouted wheat leads to a hearty texture, higher fiber and protien than traditional breads, and is generally lower in sugars. Plus it keeps well in the fridge and most have no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

If You Don't Have a Tummy, How Will You Know When to Eat?

2008-11-17T21:52:00.002-05:00

Kids always impart us with the best wisdom. I was getting dressed the other day and was having a "nothing fits" kind of day. (Every girl has one of these at some point.) I shouted "My tummy is sticking out!" Logan heard me. He came running and said, "What? Your tummy sticks out?" "Yes," I replied, "I don't like it." Logan looked concerned. "Mom, look. I have a tummy too. If you don't have a tummy, how will you know when you're hungry?" I couldn't help but smile. "Mom, it's ok. Want to bump tummies?" It's amazing how the wisdom of a four year old can bring some common sense to your insecurities. I guess I'll always know when it's time to eat.

DC then Nashville!

2008-10-30T21:36:00.002-04:00

Next week I'm heading to DC on election night and the following week I am off to Nashville for 4 days to work at the new store opening! While I anticipate working crazy hours, I definitely will eat my share of BBQ. Yum. I will so miss my boys but this should be pretty cool.

Election Night in D.C.

2008-10-22T20:23:00.002-04:00

I am geeked. I have to leave for a business trip on election night, to Washington D.C. I get to spend election night in the Capitol! This is the most interesting election in decades and I get to spend 3 days in the heart of it all. While I will miss my family, this is a one in a lifetime opportunity. Expect a full debriefing upon my return!

My First Public Political Statement

2008-09-30T18:25:00.001-04:00

Our yard sign arrived yesterday. Yipee!

Colorado Peaches...Really?

2008-09-26T18:13:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I tried a ripe, premium Colorado peach. If you're from Michigan, chances are you have the same question I did...Colorado grows peaches? Yes, and they are FANTASTIC. Perfect fruit that gives gently to the touch, super sweet, and breaks away easily from the pit. I ate 4 within 24 hours. Jeremy ate 2. I'm so glad I bought the last box. One last taste of summer before the leaves drop. Awesome.

5 Year Old Physical Equals 5 Shots

2008-09-15T21:35:00.003-04:00

Logan was a trooper today. We went to the doctor for his well visit which ended up being his 5 year physical. (Go figure, I'm ahead of the curve for once.) This is the mother load of all visits. You turn 5, you get 5 shots (plus a finger poke.) Logan didn't know he was getting them until the end when the nurse brought the tray in the room. I was sure my sensitive little man would have trouble coping but he didn't shed one tear when his arms got poked 5 times. I'm so proud of him! After it all he got to pick a prize out of the treasure chest. He immediately chose the band set including a trumpet, a saxophone, and a drum thing. Guess what? They all had whistles. Not sure who had the worst day today after all.

My Take on Palin

2008-09-15T09:10:00.003-04:00

I am voting for Obama in November, but I am fascinated with the dialog started with the nomination of Governor Palin to the Republian ticket. It brings to the forfront the Great Mom Debate, to work or stay home. Both are difficult and have their own rewards and challenges but we don't usually talk about it that way. We usually preface the conversation with why our choice is right for us like, "I like the finacial security we have with both of us working" or "I think it's important to be with the kids when they are young, but I plan on going back to work when they are older". First off, women cannot have it all. Something else is always sacrificed in the name of the other. While success at work and spending time with your kids are not mutually exclusive, there is a seesaw effect. One succeeds, the other suffers. One of the first questions asked of Palin after her nomination was how can she raise her young children and be vice president. That question never would have been asked if she was a man, true, but it underlines the social expectations for women (even from other women.) Ladies, we need to stop the hating and shelve our guilt. Peace out.

Trend Alert: Probiotics are the Next Whole Grains

2008-09-10T10:15:00.003-04:00

Several years ago General Mills announced a major change, all of their cereal recipes would be changed so they used whole grains. They saw the trend towards eating healthy and jumped on board. Now everything touts "Whole Grains." Side note, whole grain cookies? Seriously. Now I see the writing on the wall for the trendy new kid on the block, probiotics. Probiotics are strains of beneficial, live bacteria that, in large enough numbers, promotes intestinal health. You already have some bacteria in your intestinal track and more of the right kind is a good thing. (Look how happy my boys look.) Most yogurt used to have "live cultures" but over the years it was phased out in the United States. Europe, especially Sweden, has been on the Probiotic kick for well over a decade. Last year Dannon introduced Activia to the U.S. market after major success in Europe. Activia boasts patented strains that will regulate your digestive track. TCBY advertises that their frozen yogurt has 7 active cultures for your health. Finally, it's healthy to eat ice cream! I was at a store and sample a new juice drink from GoodBelly-10 million bacteria in every serving or you could get the juice "shots" and down 20 million in every ounce (but that one's not for kids.) I chose the black currant flavor. Ok, so what's my long winded point? I think beneficial live bacteria is really good for you and you should definitely look into it. This trend is a keeper but beware of companies jumping on the trend to just make money. If suddenly you find yourself buying cookies because of the probiotics, then it's gone too far.

Dinner Tonight

2008-09-07T20:30:00.003-04:00

I am a Foodie. I get excited when I can visit a farmer's market and pick out local fresh produce. I love the way heirloom tomatoes curve and are so perfect in their lack of symmetry. I enjoy combining simple, fresh ingredients to make a fantastic and unique meal. Tonight's menu consisted of spaetzle butternut salad (store bought), spinach salad with chives, heirloom tomato, blue cheese and almonds (surprisingly good), and homemade guacamole with chips. Mmm...so yummy. Fresh produce is the best part of summer, even as it nears its end.

Finding Fun Again

2008-06-28T23:21:00.004-04:00

Yesterday Jeremy and I got new bikes. I haven't ridden a bike in years and I am having so much fun! Not only is my Electra Hawaii Custom awesome looking, it is so comfortable to ride. Tonight we got a bike trailer for the kids and it is great knowing we can do something fun and active as a family. This is my first cruiser bike. Jeremy sold his mountain bike to get a cruiser but the last bike I had was a 10 speed. I had a purple Schwinn that I got somewhere between 2nd and 4th grade. I think it was 4th grade because before that I had an 80's style bike with a rainbow banana seat and a white basket with flowers. I loved that bike. Now a new love affair has begun and I am ready. Now once I get my Hawaiian bell, wicker basket, and cup holder, I will be set.

Take Me Out to the Primary

2008-04-25T17:47:00.003-04:00

I have never been very interested in politics. The nominees for various parties always seemed fairly set in stone and had views and values that rarely mirrored my own. When you stop and look at our election system, as shown in our last presidential race, you can feel like your vote doesn't count unless you are in a swing state.

Enter the 2008 race and the primaries. Now this is interesting. Who do you pick? The P.O.W. turned senator who spoke when colleagues wouldn't, the so called elitist who talks change (very appealing), or the former first lady whose compassion seems like something out of the movie Wag the Dog? I have no idea who I will vote for come November, but what I do know is I am interested in politics for the first time and actually want to talk about it. This is the Mark McGuire/Sammy Sosa home run race of politics and it's about time. Most of us want a candidate we can believe in strongly and might finally have a few that can at long last fit the bill. Will our faith in the system be restored or will the flaws of the candidates prove to human for us to trust? This should be good.

Three Martini-So Much Potential, Such a Bad Read

2008-03-28T18:23:00.003-04:00

The long awaited book reviews are here and the verdict is not good. Don't waste your time or money on the 3 Martini parenting books. They seem disjointed and only slightly amusing. The satirical commentary isn't dramatic enough to make any good points. I plan on working on a parenting book of my own someday-the Bottle of Wine Guide to Parenting. Now that will deliver on its promise.

A Little Wow Sprinkled with a Bit of Kaizen

2008-03-13T13:58:00.002-04:00

Sunny days and free cocktails at happy hour, that's where I've been for the last few days for training. I traveled to Phoenix and was in 80 degree weather! How awesome is that? I learned a lot and had a great time. I had to do a bit of role play and ended up strutting in front of the class. I gave it my best two second runway walk and was so embarrassed. It was fabulous. When we ended up at the Dirty Drummer for their $2 burgers, I was a little unsure how the night would go. One awesome burger and a few beers later, I ended up back at the hotel safe and sound. It's taken me all morning to recover from my over night flight and am so happy to be home. Now if I could have brought the weather back with me, I'd be even happier.

Let's Rock It Out!

2008-02-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

I watched my favorite TBS show (see below) the other night after work. I was enjoying the episode until Leslie, the store manager, yelled out to the crew "Let's rock it out!" Nooooooo!!!! I say that at work! Now I can never say it again. Leslie, go have another bromance.

10 Items or Less-Very Funny

2008-02-08T16:10:00.000-05:00

One great thing about the writer's strike is the ability for shows that might have been overlooked in a packed line-up can now find an audience. Take 10 Items or Less on TBS, a show about an independent grocery store in the midwest. I was drawn to it during its first season given my line of work, but man, the show is funny! You know how people who work in offices can really relate to the office yet lots of people enjoy watching it? That is the nature of 10 Items of Less yet is more overtly funny than the Office. This retailer's view? Four and a half stars out of five. Check it out and let me know what you think.

The Three Martini Playdate-I Can Hardly Wait!

2008-02-07T12:28:00.000-05:00

Last week I was fortunate enough to travel to Portland, Oregon for work. During my three hour lay over in Seattle, I was able to relax and enjoy some quiet time. I got my nails done at a cool place called Butter London where they had a hand moisturizing mist that smelled like chai. I also browsed the airport shops and stumbled upon a discovery while purchasing a birthday card for Jeremy. The patron behind me had in hand a book called "The Three Martini Family Vacation." Now that sounded great. She told me she's incorporated the parenting tips from the other Three Martini book into her own style. I immediately committed it to memory because anything with three martinis had to be good. Today, over a week after my trip, I purchased both books from Amazon and can hardly wait! The books are a no nonsense take on parenting and public interaction tips with others. For example, do we like every adult we meet? Of course not. So why do we need to like all kids we meet? Guess what, we don't and that's ok. Expect a full review when I read them!

2008-01-23T08:54:00.000-05:00

Wow, a month since my last post. I have been so busy with work, holidays, and the kids that I've barely been on the computer. Why do I have time today you ask? Because the kids and I are sick. Yeah Rotavirus! I thought Logan might be lucky enough to bypass it, but it him this morning. Connor is on day 5, yes, with a one day break in between. I went to work this morning but couldn't stay. Jeremy was out sick yesterday. At least this should be over within 48 hours instead a cold which can carry on for weeks. My advice is simple, wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and avoid sick people. Good luck avoiding the ruthless rotavirus.

Learning to Love China

2007-12-21T14:32:00.000-05:00

Many retailers are succumbing to public pressure to avoid product from China whenever possible. Right now, consumers think its good. From pet deaths to lead paint to tainted shrimp, the American public is scared. What we should be more scared of is ignoring how much we need China. They are the world's largest producer of many, many items. Apple juice concentrate? Most of it comes from China. Tomatoes? They produce twice as many as the United States (we are #2 in the world.) Garlic? World supplier. Yes, California grows garlic too but can only grow around 5% of the U.S. demand. Toys? Yeah, we all know that one. Folks, lets look at the reality. Our country is not capable of meeting of all our needs at the prices we are willing to pay. Everyone knows China is growing by leaps and bounds. Smart companies are getting their foot in the door early to take advantage of this booming economy. Instead of criticizing them, we need to help the manufacturers in China improve standards and practices. When they do that, no one will be able to touch them. Do I feel 100% safe consuming items from China? No, but I don't feel 100% safe consuming food in restaurants. Both are acceptable risks for me. What are yours?

Holiday Wishes

2007-11-27T09:17:00.000-05:00

Have I ever mentioned what a fantastic husband I have? When I was at work Sunday, he decorated the inside of the house for Christmas and did a great job. The Saturday prior, he surprised me with a birthday party at my parent's house. Turns out all day when I thought he was day dreaming (driving the speed limit, forgetting items in the house, wandering around the store) he was really stalling for time. It was so nice to see all my friends and family together to enjoy my birthday. Thank you to everyone involved! Now these are examples of going above and beyond but there are so many things he does everyday that really make him special. My holiday wishes have all come true. I hope yours do too.

Look at all the "B's"

2007-11-12T12:48:00.000-05:00

My birthday is fast approaching and that means two things, I'm leaving my 20's behind, and I had to renew my license plate. This is the year Michigan retires the old blue plate and everyone gets a new one, including me. I got my new plate a few weeks ago, rather sad to retire the old 'Sup plate from my youth. My new one isn't as cool, but I can remember the letters, BST, because my car is the best! But guess what? Nearly every new car license plate in Michigan starts with the letter "B"! It's really annoying once you notice it. Yeah another example of how creative Michigan can be. Hmm...bad pun.

Happy Anniversary!!!

2007-10-20T16:21:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow will mark seven years of wedded bliss to my high school sweetheart, Jeremy. Since I am back at work tomorrow and the boys are Boo at the Zoo tonight, we went out for a celebratory lunch with the kids. It was so much fun. The boys were really well behaved at Cheeseburger in Paradise thanks to the friendly staff, yummy food, and festive decor. It was relaxing and awesome. We capped off lunch with a trip to the Nestle Tollhouse next door for a cookie treat. We sat outside, ate our cookies, and enjoyed the weather. It was a very nice anniversary and made for a special day. Thanks, guys.

Which Meal?

2007-10-15T02:41:00.000-04:00

It's funny to think that I'm awake at a time when I could still go to Taco Bell to get a "Fourth Meal" fix should the craving hit, but that it would actually be breakfast...ew.

LOVE My Job

2007-10-12T09:13:00.000-04:00

I have just finished my second week at my new job and I love it. This is the first time I can remember truly wanting to go to work because I enjoy it. Heck, I even like getting up early and driving forever because the environment is so different and positive. Only a few more weeks I will be much closer to home so that will be better. Jeremy is rather worn out adjusting to my new schedule so he needs a bit of sympathy...but only a little. It's nice, no it's GREAT to be passionate about what you do. I'm so glad I made this decision.

New Adventure

2007-09-28T19:21:00.000-04:00

Monday I start my new job and I am totally geeked. I'm nervous with anticipation, but I know this is going to bring great things for me professionally and personally. Overall, I've done a lot of things for my age. However, I also don't want to feel trapped into a specific lifestyle because of responsibilities. My family and I are ready for a new adventure and are thrilled to start it. Yippee!

So I Quit My Job...

2007-09-26T17:55:00.001-04:00

I called my boss the other night to tender my resignation. It was surreal. My job has been part of my identity for seven years and abruptly, it's changed. So very odd. Pursuing a job that I can have a better home/work life balance is crucial for my sanity and happiness. It's rather scary to leave the only work environment you've ever known to go somewhere else, but if I wasn't scared, it wouldn't be right. Life is an adventure and I'm ready to take on new challenges to make a better life for my family. I knew it was all good when Logan started singing "Mommy got a new job!" in the bathroom the other night. It reminded me who I was really doing this for and that it is the right decision. Wine helps too.

Sugar Nation Part 2, Broken Promise

2007-09-25T09:04:00.001-04:00

It started when I became informed, when I realized how detrimental the overabundance of corn syrup can be. But something started to bug me. Why did I feel like I discovered a dark secret? Why did I feel so betrayed? And then it hit me. The intrinsic promise to deliver a safe, quality food product was broken. I'm not talking about healthy items-labels with caloric content, fat, sodium, and sugar have been on products for years. But those ingredient listings get us every time. Since I started reading labels, there were always a ton of ingredients, the majority of which you could not pronounce and certainly had no idea what they were. Yet I assumed it had more to do with the way things were labeled then the quality of items going into the product. Take peanut butter for example. Here are the top ingredients: peanuts (yeah), corn syrup solids, soy protein isolate, sugar. So out of the top four ingredients, two of them are sugar??? This is what half the kids in school eat every day for lunch? Unfortunately we have grown so accustom to this extra sugar in every facet of our diet, that we don't even think much of it anymore. Type 2 diabetes is on the rise as is the ever increasing waistline of America. The only way to protect ourselves is to stay informed. We are a nation lulled into a false sense of security with the food products we eat. Broken promises? Forget it, there never was one to begin with.

Good Day

2007-09-17T19:35:00.000-04:00

You know how most days kinda suck with one good point, like your kid gives you an unexpected hug? Yeah, well this wasn't one of them. Today was a mostly good day with a major high point, like when your kid tells you he loves you and really means it...and you get a hug. Today was a good day.

The Premium Evolution

2007-09-15T07:39:00.000-04:00

While the trend had started a few years before, Pulp Fiction help ingrain into everyone that a good cup of coffee, "the gourmet shit", was well worth the money. Premium coffee is everywhere now, even McDonalds. Consumers have recognized a better bean and roast means a really good cup of coffee. This upgrading has spread to many other food and beverage items, like vodka, chocolate (I really enjoy the Hershey's single origin ones, like Arrriba, a 50% Cacao product that is a delicious balance of milk and dark chocolate), and tequila. Most of these trends start like an underground movement and are quickly enhanced by massive amounts of advertising. For example, a year ago, consumers still perceived that Cuervo 1800 Resporado was a premium tequila at $25 a bottle. Thanks to great advertising campaign and word of mouth, the super premium tequila, Silver Patron ($50/bottle) is the popular premium tequila right now. Is it a foodie revolution or is it just trendy? I don't know, but I do enjoy that gourmet shit.

Connor's First Time Out

2007-09-12T18:35:00.000-04:00

Well, it's official. My baby is a brute. Yesterday he got his first time out at daycare. Connor is 13 months old so you might ask "How does a baby get time out?" You put him in the saucer (similar to a walker only stationary.) Now why did he get a time out? This is good. For tackling his older brother, Logan. Ok, so two things need to be said, 1) Connor tackles as a form of play and 2) Logan knows if he pushes his brother he gets in trouble, thus Logan did nothing to stop him and Connor kept at it. Eventually, they had to be separated and Connor ended up in "time out." This will be a great embarrassing girlfriend story when Logan gets older, but I can wait.

New Home for Cadi...Sort of

2007-09-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

When we adopted Cadi last October, the rescue group had a stipulation that if we were unable to keep the dog, we would give her back. So, this weekend we will take Miss Cadi girl back to Last Chance Rescue for another shot at a good home. If you think this girl might be right for you, look for her profile in a few weeks time on Petfinder. One thing off our list at least.

Dog Adoption-The Time Has Come

2007-09-08T10:06:00.000-04:00

First off, I believe that dog adoption is a great way to go for families who want a pet. While many start off with the best of intentions, things can change. Jeremy and I have decided to find Cadi, our border collie mix, a new home. She's a gentle, energetic dog that will truly fit well into an active family. With our current lifestyle (both of us working crazy hours), that's not us. If you know someone that is interested in a great family pet, let me know. She gets along GREAT with kids and wants to be around them all of the time. She has never nipped at them or anything. She also gets along well with other dogs and our cat. Now she does shed quite a bit, but you do get used to it. She is also crate and electronic fence trained. (She challenged the fence once in training and never did it again. We have it set on the lowest level.) Cadi just wants to play and be loved. Are you the right family for her?

Sugar Nation

2007-08-27T19:24:00.000-04:00

When was the last time you read the label on a box of cereal? Sure, you looked at the calories and fat since we've all been conditioned to look at these two key indicators as the end all be all. Now the labels on the front also boast "whole grains" since that whole craze started and we think "this cereal is healthy for me." Yes, whole grains are better for you than enriched ones, but most of America is missing the other key point: sugar. I know, you looked at the sugar grams in your cereal and you thought it was in the acceptable range. But did you actually read the ingredients? Good luck finding a cereal down the traditional cereal aisle that does not have high fructose corn syrup (a form of sugar) or corn syrup solids. My favorite cereals are the ones that start their ingredient list with "sugar, corn, high fructose corn syrup." That means the three main ingredients are sugar, corn, and essentially more sugar. Don't get me wrong, this corn syrup epidemic is not just limited to cereal. Some form of corn syrup is in virtually everything, from bread to canned fruit. I never realized how much sugar we consume until I started reading my labels and thinking about it. Now sugar isn't bad, but processed sugar (like high fructose corn syrup) is altered to get it to that state and is ultimately harder for your body to break down. Natural sources of sugar, like that found in fruit, is easier to process and has so many vitamins, minerals, and fiber that overall it's good for you. Folks, be aware of what you are eating. I challenge all of you to read your labels and try to find 10 items in your pantry without some form of corn syrup. Rules: items of a single origin do not count like olive oil. Obviously there's no other form of sugar in it. However if you have a dipping oil in your pantry, read that one because it just might. The question becomes do I avoid corn syrup all the time? No, that would be nearly impossible. I am more aware of what goes into my body and make natural choices whenever possible. For example, pancake syrup, even the light kind, is comprised mainly of corn syrup. I have switched to maple syrup instead. Different flavor but the right choice. Your best defense to staying healthy is to educate yourself and make smart choices. You'll feel better for it.

Balance

2007-07-13T05:09:00.000-04:00

Modern parents are faced with many decisions theirs did not have to make. It's obvious what comes first these days in most people's lives, family. This is shown by trends in the workplace, especially with fathers, to turn down promotions in order to spend quality time with their kids. The increased commitments we saw our parents to take to better our lives resulted with less time at home and we look for a way to change it. My generation talks more about a work life balance while the baby boomer's were motivated mostly by money. The money motivator is easier. It's clear how decisions should be made. The work life balance thing is tricky because it seems like an elusive goal we strive for but never attain, at least not at the point we really wanted it. There are difficult decisions for everyone to make, but it's frustrating and disappointing when you realize a professional goal can't happen because the conflict is too great with your home life. So how do you give up on it? Must you always sacrifice one for the other? It's difficult to accept professional defeat without even trying, but sometimes there aren't any other feasible alternatives. If you know the secret, please tell me because I can't figure it out.

Seriously, What's Up With This Phrase?

2007-06-15T18:51:00.000-04:00

"It is what it is." Seriously, what is up with this phrase? It seems to be the buzz phrase in the work place right now. While I understand what it means, why is everyone using it? It sounds ridiculous. Can't we just say "f*** it" instead? When people say it, I take it to mean "I can't change this, so I might as well take it at face value, accept it, and stop complaining about it." Yet here I am complaining...

80's Comeback-The Skort Reappears At a Whole New Level

2007-06-12T08:34:00.000-04:00

Growing up one of my favorite things to wear was a skort. For those of you that are new to this term, it is a skirt in the front, and shorts in the back. In the 80's when I was growing up, they were cool. Or a least I thought they were. Looking back, fine for kids but not for adults. In fact a few years ago my mom bought a skort from Eddie Bauer and I was like "Yeah, mom, super cute..." Translation-I can't believe she's wearing a skort and she thinks it's cute. The picture on the right illustrates the traditional fashion savvy skort. I maintained the fashion band on them until I went shopping a few weeks ago and saw some I liked. Hard to believe? Well the modern skort recognizes the error of it's earlier ways, and has been redefined to be skirt with connected shorts underneath. The benefit? No fear of giving a peep show when you bend over in your short skirt. The best part? No one knows unless you tell them. If you have a fear of short skirts but are dying to look cute, check out the new denim and khaki skorts at your local department store. I think you are in for a pleasant surprise.

Bindi's Close Call

2007-05-20T20:40:00.000-04:00

Friday Jeremy and I were rushing to get to work. He left a few minutes before me to drop the kids off and I got the animals set and took off. Jeremy had to make a quick stop back home before he went to work where he found the treat jar on the floor and Bindi gorging herself on it. Nice job, cat. He picked it up and went to work. When I returned home that night, Bindi was desperately licking her water bowl to get the last few drops out. I gave her more water, took care of the other animals, and made dinner. When I went to pick up Bindi later that night, I was shocked to find her abdomen three times its normal size. She is typically thin and she looked incredibly obese. I was frantic and immediately called the vet. Turns out the after hours care would cost me at least $200 to see her and diagnose the problem. Huh. He told it was probably overindulgence and she just had a large gooey food mass in her stomach. Then it clicked. She drank all that water which expanded all of the food that had been sitting in her stomach all day. After online research and weighing my options, I decided the best course (and cost) of action would be giving her infant gas drops (which I borrowed from my neighbor.) Two days later and no additional food, Bindi is back to her normal size. At 8 years old, this is the most serious situation she has ever been in. Yet my course of action was the most conservative. Am I getting wiser is my old age or just more realistic? We shall see.

A Tribute to Mike Kunkel

2007-05-06T22:14:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning, Mr. Mike Kunkel passed away. His death comes as a complete shock and a tragic loss of life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

I first worked for Mike when I was in training and have worked with him on and off for the past seven years. During that time he has been a mentor and a friend. Not only was he a fantastic store manager, he was a great man-a larger than life figure. Mike was always willing to help someone out and he did so frequently. I remember bringing Logan in to the store when he was a teething infant. Mike couldn't wait to hold him. Logan was teething and a drooling machine, but Mike didn't care. Every time we talked about kids, he would tell everyone that my son drooled on his tie, but you could tell he was proud. It was so cute.

The one thing I am struck with through all of this is how impactful Mike's life was on everyone he met and worked with. Mike was a father, husband, grandfather, store manager, mentor, role model, friend, and community leader. His death leaves a void that won't soon be filled. Mike, you will be missed terribly and never forgotten. Here's to a life well lived.

Fiesta Time!

2007-05-05T08:46:00.000-04:00

Today is Cinco de Mayo, the day when everyone has a little Mexican in them. We are ready for our big neighborhood party and are finishing up last minute details. We haven't had a party in over a year and we are ready to celebrate! Cinco de Mayo has grown in popularity in the U.S., similar to St. Patrick's Day. In their respective countries, the holiday is not very big, but in the U.S., it is a major drinking holiday. How many of you don't really know what Cinco de Mayo means? In years past, I've had people ask me "When is it this year?" You want in on the joke? It means May 5th. That's it. Historically it represents the battle where Mexican troops defeated the French in 1862. Come on, you know what day it was by now.

So here's to a beautiful day, a great party, friends, and lots of fun! Want to try a new twist with your tequila? Try mixing it with Squirt soda. It tastes awesome and is very popular in Mexico. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2007-04-29T09:05:00.000-04:00

I need help. My job requires me to do something I didn't think I would have to do with such frequency and sincerity...talk about the size and quality of cucumbers with a straight face. It doesn't stop with cucumbers. I also have to talk about zucchini, melons, and bananas. I do okay with it until there are about 4 guys standing around talking about how the size of this cucumber is really too big and they prefer a smaller one. There were several times I had to turn away to keep from cracking up. I thought the hump racks were bad enough but this is going to be worse. So the question remains, how can I talk about big cucumbers with a straight face?

Super Dad

2007-04-28T09:23:00.000-04:00

Last week I was in Ohio on business. Jeremy was left to take care of the kids, house, animals, and work all by himself. I expected him to be frantic by the time I got home, the house a mess, and the kids dirty. What I found was a completely cleaned house, completely cleaned bedroom, a newly painted bedroom, and the kids clean and happy. Huh. When did I marry super dad? I am left impressed and proud of him. Way to go, hun. Thank you.

No More Diapers!

2007-04-13T07:31:00.000-04:00

It has been 7 days since Logan has had an accident! That's it, we have declared "No more diapers"! I'm so proud of my little guy. Once he figured out both ends, it all clicked. He has worn underwear to bed every night and still nothing. Wow! This is a fabulous day because I can say Logan is a big boy now. You know what, the fact that I'm not spending $12 a week for 20 Pull-Ups is really cool too. Great job Logan, you did it!

Dog Training-Week 2

2007-03-10T11:36:00.000-05:00

What a different class it was this week! Cadi did soooo much better. There are now four dogs in the class versus eight. I think she scared the others away the first week. This class we practiced walking on a leash, Cadi's worst behavior. While nothing magical happened, I learned what I was doing wrong and how to correct it. Yesterday Logan and I took Cadi out for a walk. Perfect? No, but major improvements. I've also been watching the Dog Whisper on the National Geographic Channel and Cesar's teachings along with the class have been very helpful. It's not just Cadi we need to train, it's Bindi too. We will get our pack straightened out...eventually.

Doggy Obedience-Week 1

2007-02-28T21:09:00.000-05:00

Tonight Cadi and I took our first steps and barks down the road towards becoming a good canine citizen (and pet owner.) She won the award for demonstrating an over excited dog which allowed me to spend most of the class watching as the trainer, Paul, showed how to correct the behavior. So my initial question to Paul over the phone of "She knows some basic commands, which class should she attend?" turned into me being embarrassed most of the night as I realized how little I actually knew about dog training and obedience. You know it's worse than you expected when the other pet parents offer encouraging words like "She did good tonight. I bet you never thought she'd be that calm," or give you the look of "how can you let her behave that way?" I wanted to make excuses like "She's a rescue!" even though I knew we haven't given her the education she needs to be a good dog. Tonight Cadi and I both earned a C+...we both have a lot to learn and behaviors to change, but we had lots of good points too. Next week we practice walking on a leash. The grade might dip a bit then.

Why the Hell It Means So Much to Me

2007-02-13T20:09:00.000-05:00

I love being a mom. It's the best thing in the world, but it took a movie to make me realize what's missing. Women my age grew up in the 80's idolizing the career woman, the woman who kicked butt and took names in a man's world. I always say myself growing up and being something like "Day to Night Barbie", professional woman by day, but can kick up her heels at night. When I watched "The Devil Wears Prada" and heard the song "Suddenly I See", it all clicked. I need to do something I'm passionate about and fulfill my dreams. Somewhere along the way to starting a family, building a life with my love, bills, landscaping, and all the other responsibilities, I put my dreams aside. 'Suddenly I see, this is where I want to be. Suddenly I see, why the hell it means so much to me.' Now I know where I want to go and it feels great.

Oh.....

2006-10-19T17:02:00.000-04:00

It's 4:45 am. Both Logan and Connor are restless. Logan runs around the kitchen and I try to keep Connor asleep on the couch. Jeremy attempts to find something in the kitchen without waking us. He mumbles to himself and then Logan repeats it. "Shit." Huh. Firsts always happen when you least expect it. My eyes remain closed. Logan continues. "Shit!" I can hear the smile in his face; he is proud. "Shit, shit, shit!" I shout out, "Nice, Jeremy." Logan picks up on my positive tone and runs to the couch. "Shit, mommy!" Awesome. He runs back in the kitchen. "Daddy, shit!" Logan is awake. Jeremy and Logan return to the bedroom to watch TV. I chuckle and am happy Logan repeated Jeremy and not me. I close my eyes go back to sleep. It's too early for this shit.

Designer Pups-You Want How Much for a Mutt?

2006-10-18T09:01:00.000-04:00

There's a new buzz phrase popping around in the media, "designer pups." This term refers to selected breeding of two purebreds to create a new type of dog. I would say the original designer pup is the cockapoo, a cocker spaniel bred with a poodle. Now cockapoos have been around a long time, but other mixes, mostly with poodles, are cropping up everywhere. The hot ones right now are goldendoodles (golden retriever and a poodle), labradoodle (Labrador retriever and a poodle), puggles (beagle and a pug), and schnoodles (schnauzer and a poodle). Due to their rising popularity, lots of people are breeding these dogs to make easy money. Did you know labradoodles and goldendoodles START at around $1500 per puppy? Since they are big dogs, they have big litters. $10k profit per litter has to be appealing to a lot of people. For the most part, people are spending a ton of money for what amounts to a mutt. The exception is the labradoodle, a.k.a the Australian Labradoodle. This is actually on it's way to becoming a true breed whose mixed origins started in an Australian breeding program. Now only Labradoodles with heritage in the Australian breeding program can call themselves Australian Labradoodles, but the mix of a poodle and a lab is still very popular. Australian Labradoodles start at over $2000 each. With these hefty price tags, it's easy for profit breeders to get a lab and a poodle together and sell those pups for less and still make a ton of money. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of breeders out there that have a sound breeding program and are producing quality dogs (poodle mixes are better for people with allergies because they tend to have hair like a poodle versus shedding like a retriever) and my future sister-in-law's family has one, Amber, a goldendoodle I believe. Heck, I was looking at them and the newer mini goldendoodles (all the fun in a smaller package), but decided they were too pricey. If you do your research and still want a designer pup, be financially prepared and take the time to find a good breeder. If you want the newest "breed" of designer pups without the price tag, check out www.petfinder.com. This rescue website has all of the latest mixed breed pups you could want (also known as mutts) for a fraction of the price but all of the love.

Clearing Out the Clutter

2006-10-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

How in the world have I ended up with so much crap around the house? Most homes have some amount of clutter, whether it's hidden in a drawer or tucked away upstairs...random piles of crap seem to multiply and spread. How do you make it go away? I get afraid I'll need something so instead of tossing it immediately, I hang on to it. When it comes time to clean-up things get shoved around and dumped together thus increasing the problem. We did get rid of some of the basement clutter but still have a ways to go. Eh...I'm sick of it.

Four Shots and Still Sleeping

2006-10-12T13:57:00.000-04:00

Today was Connor's 2 month visit to the doctor, a.k.a. the shot visit. Thank goodness his legs have some meat on them because they got two shots each. When you weigh 12lbs, 6oz and are 23 inches long, it's not as bad. So far he's mostly slept and has been only a little fussy. No smiles yet but you can't blame the guy. His frequent smiles and happy disposition coupled with his crying fits lead me to realize Connor is like me...good tempered, but complains a lot. It's funny because the boys are opposite. Logan has a lot of physical traits from my side, but the kid is super mellow and sleeps well. Connor looks like Jeremy, but acts like me. You can tell we are in for some fun.

Let the Addiction Begin!

2006-09-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

Logan, my 32 month old son, got his first video game system yesterday, Little Leaps. It's the newest release from Leap Pad designed to teach babies and toddlers fundamentals. It's basic, entertaining, affordable, and only slightly annoying; I give it 4 out of 4 stars. The guilt I feel over giving him a toy that encourages more TV time is outweighed by the learning and entertainment value it provides. And it makes Logan happy. I think parents can get caught up in all of the "expert" advice and maintaining a rigid order. I heard a lady on the View the other day say she didn't think children should have choices. That's insane. I'm not saying spoil your kids (because that will backfire every time), but sometimes you need to take a step back. Ask yourself, is it really a big deal? If it won't harm your child physically or start them on bad behavior trends, then let it go. Will Logan be obsessed with video games someday? Probably, but as long as he's not a Gamer, I think he'll turn out all right.

Yes, but an Award?

2006-09-19T08:51:00.000-04:00

Jeremy has made a point of telling me what a great mom I am as of late. While the compliment is nice, I started to wonder why he kept saying it and following it with "You should win a mother o the year award." Again, nice sentiment, but I'm not doing anything other moms haven't done before. So I asked him, "Why?" He thought for a minute. "You take care of the kids all day and still do things around the house. The kids are happy. I really appreciate what you do, especially when I have the kids by myself for a few hours. And you don't even-" He paused. "What?" I asked. "Complain?" He smiled. "Well, yeah." "So I should really get the not complaining award, right?" "Yes." Well, if you know me, then you know this actually is an accomplishment. I'll take my award now, please.

Hello Drinking, My Old Friend

2006-09-13T21:22:00.000-04:00

As my second son turns one month old today, I celebrate with two glasses of KJ chardonnay. Yes it's the most popular chard, a little heavy on the oak, but remarkably consistent. My enthusiam for wine grew tremendously between my first and second child thus the non-drinking phase, a.k.a. pregnancy, was notably harder. Okay, it's not like I stared at my wine rack nightly lamenting my loss (maybe every other night), but I did make a point of mentioning my situation whenever someone talked about drinking. I'm sure it got annoying, but I didn't care (just as I'm sure no one cared that I couldn't drink.) Drinking wine is about taking a few minutes out of your day to relax and enjoy life, even as it goes by so quickly. As Connor starts on his second month of life, I start on my second bottle of wine. Cheers!

Guilt Quickly Evaporated: Now We Turn on the Pets

2006-09-06T18:35:00.000-04:00

When the day approached for removing Logan from daycare, I was sad. My son had been in the same place since he was 10 weeks old. It wasn't daycare, it was school. I felt guilty that I was taking him away from his friends and cool activities. Well it's been over two weeks and Logan is fine. He's talking more than ever and gives better hugs. Instead of worrying about the lack of structure, I worry now when he'll kill the cat. He'll find Moki and simply lay on him. Other times he'll pick him up and make him dance. Moki puts up with all of it and when he's sick of it, he'll run away. Logan torments our dog Bindi a bit too, but she runs away a lot sooner. Here's the sad part, I sometimes encourage it because it gives me a break and it is friggin' funny. Is that wrong?

Mommy's Car is Brown

2006-09-01T13:43:00.000-04:00

Today was Connor's second doctor appointment. He now weighs 9lbs 2oz and is 21 3/4 inches long. In the past two weeks he has gained over a pound and has grown over an inch! My little eating machine has been hungry for a reason. Since this was only my second time out with both kids, I was a little apprehensive. I am happy to report outing #2 went very well too. Kids have a way of keeping you grounded with their simple statements. On the way back to my car from the bank, I asked Logan to help me find it. We found it together and I asked him "What color is mommy's car?" "Brown!" Ok, it's blue, but it's a little dirty. "What other color is mommy's car?" He should get blue this time. "Brown!" Defeat. My car might be brown right now and my house has a ton of toys and clutter around, but my boys are happy. Mommy's car might be brown for a while though.

Flying Solo

2006-08-28T13:41:00.000-04:00

Today marked a major milestone. Logan, Connor, and I went out for the first time together (as in no additional help.) Connor slept the whole time and Logan behaved very well. The picture of Logan depicts his excitement over our successful venture. It was good to have a successful, small trip out and it was nice visiting the outside world. Now both boys are sleeping *at the same time* so I am going to take a nap. No great insight today, just happy I've only had two cups of coffee and got around 5 hours of sleep. Things are looking up.

Perspective

2006-08-26T08:57:00.000-04:00

We made it through our first week at home! I can hardly believe it. Despite feeling exhausted a good portion of the day, I do take comfort in the fact that both of my kids are healthy and relatively happy. Now Logan might have had cold pizza for breakfast (he wanted it), but in the scheme of it all, it just isn't a big deal. I guess that's what it all means. It sucks that I'm tired, but it isn't a big deal because the kids are doing well. One of my male neighbors told me I just forgot what it was like with a baby, and million of women have babies every day and I have it easier than most. Like I give a crap about the difficulties of other women and their babies right now. His turn is coming, just wait. I'll try to keep my complaining to a minimum though...most days.

Lack of Sleep Leads to Decreased Expectations

2006-08-24T07:57:00.000-04:00

Sleep? In spurts. Shower? If there's time. Eat? When I remember. Cleaning? Yeah, right. Having two kids is very different than one, at least in the beginning. Trying to find the new rhythm of the house is rather difficult. I know we'll get there, but man, I'm just so frickin' tired. Adding another member to our family is much easier than starting a family (at this point you know how to care for a baby), but it's more tiring than I expected or remembered. So the next time you manage to get 6 hours of consecutive sleep and start complaining to your significant other that you're really tired, think of me saying "shove it." It could be so much worse. *Disclaimer*Both of my kids are really behaving pretty well and they are the light of my life. I just want to sleep a little more.

Welcome Home Connor!

2006-08-17T09:52:00.000-04:00

August 13, at 8:15 am, baby Connor was born! He was 13 days early so it was a bit of a surprise. He weighed 7lbs 15oz and was 20.5 inches long. He's very proportionate and looks adorable. The big surprise was his hair-all dark. Both Jeremy and I had blonde hair when we were born so we never thought our kids would have dark hair. It's very cute though. We were really surprised that I went into labor early because all signs pointed to "I'm waiting." All of us are glad to be home as a family and look forward to adjusting. Our first night allowed us to get a little sleep, but Connor is an eating machine, 2 oz every 2 hours. Luckily Logan slept through the night. The next few weeks will be rough but I know we'll get into a routine.

There is good news about my grandma too. She is still at U of M hospital but it looks like she'll be released into a transitional program tomorrow. She's been rather stubborn about eating, but she is getting better.

Somber Return

2006-08-04T21:29:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since my last post. So much has happened but clearly nothing has moved me to blog until now. I am due with my second child in 18 days and my grandma is in the hospital.

One week ago my grandma has a triple bypass. There have been ups and downs in that time frame and today she was flown to another hospital to under go surgery for a leaky valve. She only has a 40% chance of recovery because of all the complications she's had since her bypass.

Usually I am very optimistic, but this situation has me worried. I have no good feelings about this surgery. I am confident she has the best care possible and the two most important people, her daughters, are with her, but I don't know if I'll see her again. I've never lost anyone I truly care about and I'm certainly not prepared to lose my grandma.

Twizzlers or Octopus?

2005-10-28T20:58:00.000-04:00

Last Monday I was offered a ticket to a Red Wings game for Thursday. I was so excited, my first Wing's game! Driving home I realized I had conflicting plans. Did I go to the long awaited Wing's game or Boo Bash, a Halloween party for Logan at daycare? The decision was simple.

Thursday we had a great time at Boo Bash. While Logan was shy and a little weepy the whole time, I think he had fun. He was a Cowboy, but I called him my little Gringo. The boots I bought didn't fit so he had to wear sneakers. We went "trunk or treating" where you go from car trunk to car trunk grabbing one piece of candy from each. He liked that part the best. His favorite candy of the night was Twizzlers. Overall, well worth passing on a sporting event.

Check back on November 1 to see the Halloween Monkey.

The Addict

2005-09-12T20:42:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make. My son is an addict and it's all my fault. My baby is addicted to yogurt. He eats it every day, sometimes twice. If you open the fridge while he's in the kitchen, he runs to it and grabs a yogurt from the bottom shelf. His addiction has gotten so bad that Sunday Jeremy found him sitting on the kitchen floor covered in yogurt. He managed to open the fridge, grab a container, peel off the lid, and eat yogurt with his hands. Monday Jeremy found him pulling an empty container from the trash and licking the lid. Didn't I teach him better than that?

Any addiction is tough to break, but this yogurt one will haunt him for the rest of his life. The plan is limit him to one per day, no matter what. I hope, one day, he can forgive me for starting him down this path. I love you, Logan.

Fat Feet

2005-09-10T18:44:00.000-04:00

The other day I was at a warehouse shoe store. While I was walking down an aisle, I heard a woman ask her boyfriend if her feet looked fat in the shoes. Intrigued by this question, I glanced down at her feet. Her boyfriend said, "No, they look fine." Liar. Then I said, "Honey, your feet do look fat. Don't buy them." Okay, I didn't say it, but that's exactly what I was thinking. I thought how wonderful it would be if I could go up to a complete stranger and simply state the truth. The idea was liberating. But in the name of good taste, I kept walking and said nothing.

So how far should you take the whole direct and honest thing? Should you tell your friend they are completely self absorbed and, hey did you notice you only talk to me when you have a problem? And I'm sorry you have so much emotional baggage that you can't move on, but isn't there more to you than that? Perhaps. It's easy to be self absorbed when you only have to take care of yourself. Once you have a child, things change. It's sad to realize that your friends do not understand that they are no longer such a high priority because of it.

We make decisions every day to walk the narrow line between honesty and good taste. Sometimes we out right lie to avoid hurt feelings. Other times we are direct to do just that, to hurt. You make the call which side you want to be on. My old friend certainly has.

Forgot the Advice

2005-09-07T23:19:00.000-04:00

Hmmm...should have taken that whole assuming advice a little closer to heart. Fun day...

An Ode to Dad-isms

2005-09-06T21:35:00.000-04:00

Growing up my father always had a few wise words to add to family conversations. He started when I was in elementary school after a teacher's conference. The teacher said I was very smart, but I needed to mind my own business. Yes, I was a tattler. My parents had me put up a sign in my desk that said "M.Y.O.B." As a constant reminder to "mind my own business." It didn't work. As I got older the sayings became, "Remember what happens when you ASSUME...It makes an ass out of "u" and me." Then there's the classic, "It is better to be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt." There are many others, like how to use "only one square" in your bathroom or how to not step in dog feces, but those may not be appropriate to expand on here.

Recently I have found many of these Dad-isms running through my head. Many times, especially at work, you should be careful how you say things because you want to clearly and effectively state your position. If you are not good at saying what you mean, then your comments come across as unclear and perhaps offensive. Then people stop listening even if you have a valid point. Thank you, dad, your advice has helped me avoid many common pitfalls in my life and career. I think you need to write a book or something because I know a lot of people that assume way too much.

Good Bye Miss Boo

2005-09-03T13:43:00.000-04:00

Today we met Boo's new mom and BT sister. Boo went home with her and is no longer with us. Boo started to show aggressive tendencies towards the baby so we had to find her some where else to live. We've talked about it for a month and I've been in contact with her new owner for almost the entire time, but today was the day. We hope she will be happy in her baby free home where she will be spoiled non-stop. Farewell, old friend. We will miss you.

Trend Update: Wine Tasting Parties are Back!

2005-08-08T11:29:00.000-04:00

The votes are in and the first ever wine tasting party hosted by Aimee and Jeremy was a huge success! The winning wines were the Barefoot White Zinfandel and the Charles Shaw Shiraz (a.k.a. Two buck Chuck.) We finished 6 1/2 bottles of wine, ate a lot of cheese, and had a nice time. Several people bailed last minute and decided not to make the drive out, but those who did went home enjoying their wine. The next wine party will be Saturday, October 1. The theme will be Wines of California. What kind of wine is your favorite? Have a wine party and find out!

Down with Kwame

2005-07-14T21:21:00.000-04:00

Tuesday Jeremy and I were lucky enough to go to the All-Star game. We were in the Gatorade suite by third base and it was awesome. Our neighbors were right below us in their seats so we were able to get them up to visit. Since this game was such a big deal, lots of celebrities were in town to watch it. Jeremy went to out in the hallway to walk around to see who he could find and was surprised to see the mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick. (Surprised that it was him, not that he was there.) He stopped him and shook his hand and now he has a story to tell. Since I only saw David Hall (of Rock Financial) I needed a story to tell so I've mentioned Jeremy's run-in. I was amazed at the hostile looks and complete disapproval I received on Jeremy's behalf. It made me realize that virtually every Caucasian person in the metro Detroit area despises the mayor. Now I am not a fan of his at all. I believe he represents many stereotypes associated with Detroit-corrupt officials, infidelity, scandal, and city mis-management. As a caller on Diminski and Doyle's 97.1 talk show said, "Kwame, the closest thing to Coleman." I don't understand why he wouldn't go above and beyond to show although he is young for a mayor, he completely deserves the position. Citizens of the metro Detroit area feel he has no integrity and continues to disappoint us at every turn. But why such a hostile reaction at his name? I actually felt embarrassed bringing up Jeremy's All-Star story. I guess we all feel that Detroit could be a world class city and people like the mayor continue to drag it down. It's really disappointing.

Hair Cuts and Jack Johnson

2005-07-09T22:37:00.000-04:00

Last Tuesday was a monumental day, Logan had his first hair cut. We went to the kiddie place at the mall, Carnival Cuts. He was a little unsure when I sat him on the character "ride", but the stylist wasted no time. Within 5 minutes it was over. I kept trying to take pictures of him with my camera phone, even as he started to cry. I felt an overwhelming need to record the event, despite his protests. (He did have a shot earlier that day so he was a little overly sensitive.) As I was taking the pictures I could see myself from a distance...The working mom bringing in her baby after a long day, ready for the event, taking pictures, and letting him cry. I felt like if other moms saw me, they would judge me. It's not like Logan was sobbing, just not happy. By the time it was over, he was happy. Now he was a little boy, not a baby. I love all these firsts we get to experience with him. Everything is new and amazing. Sometimes you get the impression that new learned things are quickly forgotten and replaced with something else. Ever since Logan was born, we have listened to the music of Jack Johnson together. His new release, "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing," is a good song and has gotten decent radio play. The other day when Logan and I were in his room playing, that song came on the radio downstairs. He stopped what he was doing and started dancing. He then walked to the door in his room so he could go downstairs to dance. I grabbed him, went downstairs, and danced. It was awesome. New things may seem forgotten, but they are actually learned. It's pretty cool.

Happy Independence Day

2005-07-03T22:26:00.000-04:00

I love the 4th of July! Fireworks, family, friends, bbq, and wine (or beer...or hard liquor) make for a great time. I had a great time Sunday night sitting on my patio, sipping my favorite wine, and watching my husband light fireworks. It brought back memories of days past where we would launch bottle rockets horizontal with the street. We freaked out when they went under cars. It was awesome. We've progressed from those days...now we launch fireworks from a metal pipe. Safe, huh? I didn't drink back then so I didn't enjoy myself quite as much. After a recent wine tasting event I can call myself a Barefooter! Yes, Barefoot wine is an award winning wine that is great for casual get-togethers. It is now my drink of choice, Merlot of course. It's a wine you can serve knowing you won't be embarrassed, but it's very affordable, 2/$10.99 at Kroger. Join the ranks and try Barefoot!

But I digress. It really is the simple things that bring me the most happiness. I spent the day with Logan and he said ball and bubbles. We made a game of putting on sunblock before we went outside. The highlight of my entire day was going to the pool to actually swim for the first time. Logan was in a floating frog and Jeremy and I swam around the pool with him. Every time one of us swam away, he would shout our name. Jeremy would duck under water and come back up in a different spot. Logan thought is was so funny. It got even better when Jeremy lit a citronella candle and spilled wax on his crotch. It was friggin' hilarious. I had a great day.

How to Bomb an Interview

2005-07-01T19:31:00.000-04:00

Have you ever left an interview wondering "how did I do?" or "how do I stack up to the others?" or wonder "how did I ever get this job?" Well, plenty of people are clueless about how to interview despite all the tips you get online or the classes you take in college. Over the years I have conducted many interviews and have heard a lot of strange things. So if you ever wonder how you got a job, remember, some people don't have a lot of common sense and say the wrong thing. Despite what the interviewer tells you, it all matters. You can be too honest. The below scenarios are all things prospective associates have said to me at some point in the interview process.

"How old are you, 31? Just kidding." Never guess your interviewer's age, especially a woman's, especially unsolicited, especially when your interviewer is 27. You just created a negative impression and probably won't get a call back.
"My dad (or mom) wants me to get a job." This says "I don't want to work." You can recover, but it needs to be quick and convincing that you want it.
"I've been on workmen's comp for 20 years. I can't stand for more than two hours because I'm missing part of my heal. I really want to work, but I don't know how long I'll be able to." Again, shared way too much in a first interview. It screams "I'm going to go on disability and cost you a ton of money." Not the way to land a job.
"I'm considering other opportunities." This translates to "I need a job, but I don't think I want to work for you. If you do hire me, I'll quit as soon as this other thing opens up." This is not appropriate for a first or second interview. You would only say this when you have been offered a position and need to make a decision. It makes you seem uncommitted.
"I was wondering if I could read you a passage from the book of Mormon." Religious beliefs should not be brought up in an interview unless it's for a church. What are you smoking?
"I have anal leakage." You just shared way to much. There is no way to recover from revealing this. You just lost the job. But really, why would you bring this up?
"You like to eat ice cream? I don't. It has a lot of fat. You shouldn't eat too much fat. It's unhealthy." Again, unsolicited opinions are bad. Comments regarding weight are DANGEROUS and will result in not being hired.
"So, you going to dress up for your husband tonight? Maybe put some cinnamon buns on your ears to look like Princess Leia?" You just crossed a major boundary and are dead in the water. Retreat with your life.

Summer Fun

2005-06-26T17:09:00.000-04:00

After a three week break from posting, I'm back! We have been busy putting in a patio and playing outside. Yesterday was our neighbor's baby's first birthday party. It was so much fun! Lots of kids and lots of cake. The birthday girl had an Elmo cake just for her and ended up with it everywhere, just like Logan at his first birthday. It was awesome.

Logan got antsy when presents were being opened so I put him down. I noticed we had a code "brown" popping out of his pants and then realized the code "brown" was on me as well. We were able to make a discreet exit without many people realizing what happened.

If this had happened to one of us before we had kids, we would have freaked. Now we take these baby things in stride. The messes, the diapers, the food flying from the high chair, the impromptu drum set out of Rubbermaid, ah, the list goes on and on. For every "yup, I'm a parent" moment where you take these mishaps in stride, something happens which totally amazes you. For example, Logan grabbed the toilet paper yesterday and had it all over the floor. I sighed, had a "yup" moment, went to pick it up and tell him not to play with it, when he grabbed it, put it to his nose, and blew into it. Ok, he didn't have a stuffy nose, he spit into it, but he learned what to do with it. That's when you have a "wow, I'm a parent" moment. Those are what make it all worth it.

Landscaped "Challenged"

2005-05-31T21:00:00.000-04:00

Memorial day weekend was beautiful! We took Logan miniature golfing for the first time and did lots of outdoor work. The neighborhood was out in full force landscaping their yards as Michigan tradition states for this first warm holiday. We live in a newer neighborhood and it's nice to see our neighbors taking pride in their lawns. Then there are the neighbors who don't care so much. Those are the ones that annoy me. In honor of those who are "landscaped challenged" here are a few tips from Aimee.

1. Hanging baskets on shepherd's hooks in your yard do not equal landscaping. I appreciate that you want to add color to your house, and in addition to an established landscape, hanging baskets are fine. However, hanging baskets in the middle of your yard is not landscaping.

2. A retaining wall is meant to outline the perimeter of your planting beds, not act like a fortress protecting treasure. Ok, if your retaining wall is higher than your steps, than it's too tall! Landscaping and planting beds are supposed to balance and compliment your home. If you want to have a container garden, put it on your porch, not in your yard.

3. Lawn ornaments can be fun and give your neighbors insight to your personality. We have a flying pig, our neighbors have that statue from "the Midnight of Garden Good and Evil". Both are fun and I feel, tasteful. Then there are my other neighbors with 4 wooden cutouts of pooping dogs. Yes, pooping dogs. They say "Not here!" because that's going to stop a dog. Here's the best part, they had a dog when they put the signs up.

4. Gazing balls, the reflective globes people put in their yards, I just don't get them. That's it.

5. Yard projects should be completed in a timely fashion from whence started. A year is not timely. Why bother edging a planting bead and putting down mulch if you only plant one tree??? Again, please refer to tip #1. Six months is not timely. If you start a patio, you should finish it! Oh, wait, that's us...Patio party this weekend if you want to help or lend advice.

What's in a Name?

2005-05-27T20:16:00.000-04:00

For years I have struggled to come to terms with my name. Few things disappoint a kid more than when you are on vacation and searching desperately for a quick souvenir in a cheap, junky tourist trap and cannot find your name on a keychain in the shape of a Florida license plate. I would look alphabetically to see if my name "Aimee" was even considered...nope, skips right to "Allison." I would give up hope of finding it spelled my way and contemplate settling for the common spelling, but as usual, it was sold out.

After a while, the search became an odd obsession. Every shop with personalized products had to be scoured for something, anything with my name. I can still remember the first time I found something with my name spelled my way (sorta). I was at Cedar Point with my grandparents and I discovered a stuffed bear's t-shirt said "I love Amie." Wow! Not A-M-Y! It was close enough. I was 8 years old.

It didn't stop with souvenirs. Any personalized product from pencils to stickers were always searched to no avail. It wasn't until I was 12 when I finally found a magnet with name on it the real way. I bought it. This compulsion lasts to this day (unless it's really tacky or ugly.)

I used to think this was my own lament until I met a co-worker with the same name. I confessed my frustrations and to my surprise they were echoed. At last, I was not alone!

When you're growing up, you want nothing more than to fit in. With a strange name or unique spelling, you can't help but feel different. I never minded having my name spelled the "French way" (it means beloved) because I thought that meant I was special. Kids want to feel special, but also fit in.

So parents and parents to be, when choosing a name for your child please consider these guidelines before making any final decisions...not overly common (hello, how many Mike's were in your classes growing up?), no obvious way to be teased about it (hey, Chuck the *@#!) or with his initials (i.e. Andrew Samuel Sanders), and no off the wall spellings (Jorja=Georgia).

I'm glad my parents were creative but not crazy when they chose my name. Yeah, I might have fixated on it a bit growing up, but I always had a goal on vacation. I enjoy having a name that stands out even if people remember it as "Amy spelled funny."

First Time

2005-05-22T10:39:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the first installment of what promises to be a slightly entertaining blog filled with new mom frustrations and triumphs. After a year of posting cell phone pics to the web (most consisting of work and Logan), I've realized I want more...I want my own blog.

Since this is my first time posting to my blog, it got me thinking about other firsts...first kiss, first job, first credit card, first marriage (planning on keeping this one), first baby, first house, first weird neighbor, etc.

In life it's the "firsts" that stand out. Those experiences shape your views of future experiences, positive or negative. Predictably, my favorite "first" is being a mom. One "first" that was years in the making was the realization that the house won't clean itself. I tried for so long to convince it, but it flatly refused.

Once that first experience has passed and the novelty worn off, it's easy to get sidetracked with responsibilities. You forget the excitement and anticipation that once accompanied the event. Like when you get your first house and think only of possibilities, to when all you see are chores and bills.

The next time you find yourself frustrated with your situation, think back to your "first time" and see if you can still find the wonder in it. While it won't make problems go away, it will help you appreciate what you have.