Thursday, December 30, 2004

Day Two-Three Vacation

First, I must post that we do not have a crib. We went to pick it up on Tuesday and there was a huge confusion with very crappy customer service. They wanted to give us the floor model in pieces without any boxes or wrapping of any kind. These were items promised. After discovering that Babies-R-Us did not have anything to protect our crib from itself, we opted for our money returned.

Otherwise, Tuesday was a wonderful day. We slept in, drove downtown, visited my Sweetie’s office, and had lunch at Chipotle – mmmmmm bols. After, we walked to the Austin Museum of Art and the ArtHouse (Contemporary Gallery).

The Austin Museum of Art has a wonderful display of Andy Goldsworthy. His work is simply amazing. My Sweetie and I love galleries and museums so we ate up this display. While walking back to the car, we stopped in at the ArtHouse. The current exhibit is Lounge and consists of several chair swings from the ceiling. They were very comfortable. It was a wonderful outing. The night was not ruined by Babies-R-Us. We went to a nice dinner and finished the evening with me beating my Sweetie with another game of Monopoly.

Yesterday was yet another lazy day. We slept late, played with legos, ate lunch, and headed to a Baby furniture store that we found on-line. After a long drive, we discovered that the store is no longer in business. However, we did find ourselves near Terra Toys. This is an awesome toy store. Toys define my sweetie and me ad much as museums and galleries. We had so much fun. Toy stores are so different now – at least for us – we look at items we want for our baby and which items are not appropriate. All in all – these outings make us simply long for our new little guest. There was a turn of events last night. We played Monopoly again. This time I lost. I must get back my winning streak – lol.

This week is so wonderful. I love spending time with my Sweetie. He is wonderful and my perfect match.

Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Day One of Vacation Complete

This week is our vacation. Since we are saving for a baby - we vacation from home. Yesterday was deemed lazy. We succeeded in our goals. We slept late and enjoyed waking after others found themselves within the working day. My Sweetie made me cinnamon drop biscuits for breakfast - sooooo yummy. After several hours of magazine reading and surfing the Internet (once again I love wireless) we decided to go shopping. OK, so actually it was my need for pants that got us out of the house. My pregnant belly is too large for my pants. I refuse to spend the crazy prices for maternity pants so I bought jeans two sizes larger. I must say nothing makes you feel thin than jeans almost falling off. For now I will enjoy the feeling :-) My Sweetie was so wonderful and stated that he did not care about the price of the pants; he simply wanted me happy and comfortable.

The next stop was the best. We went to look at the crib we want again. My Sweetie was so worried that they would no longer have the one we fell in love with. On the way, I had this strong feeling that he was correct – that they no longer make our model – but I knew we could get it – I even had the feeling that we would get the crib at a reduced price due to purchasing the floor model. Also, keep in mind that my only hesitation on this crib was the fact that it was 100 over what I wanted to pay. Now I have had ESP before. I am happy to say that this time was not for something horrible, like normal. We went to the store discovered the company that makes the crib went out of business – not due to recalls or any safety reasons. To top this off due to BabysRUs policy if a damaged box enters the store, they must open and assemble it. Once assembled it must go onto the floor. If there is already this model on display, the new one sells for 30% off. Weren’t we happy to see this crib marked down? Nothing is wrong with it. But we did pay more than 100 off the original price, and making the after tax price close to the price I had in my head. So I was right, they no longer make the crib, we were able to get the crib, and we did receive the floor model at a reduced price, and I knew we would spent about 200 on a crib. Now this does not include the mattress, but we are very happy. We pick it up today. We still have a lot to move out of the room, so I cannot put it together tonight, although I would love to ☺

Dinner was at home – Sweetie made me a wonderful dinner. We ate and enjoyed Simpson’s Monopoly – I won!!!! It was a wonderful lazy day.

Now on to today – Arts and Downtown day.

Sunday, December 26, 2004

A Very Merry Christmas

We had a Very Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve was wonderful. My Sweetie and I hosted our normal gathering. The big thing about my Christmas Eve's is the tradition involved. Not so much tradition, but that each person brings something for the evening. We began the evening with origami snowmen (brought by SIL). This was great fun. The next event was from my mother with Christmas Crackers. We enjoyed the riddles, party hats, and toys. After such clean fun, it was time to get our hands dirty. I brought the event of decorating freshly bakes sugar cookies. This was wonderful. We all made several cookies. They were too beautiful to eat. My MIL offered the same tradition as last year, a taffy pull. This is always fun, esp. since we are learning a little more each year on how to make it easier. This time she added lemon extract for a very nice flavor. After finishing the taffy, we ate more of the finger foods and began on the gifts. Everyone made out with wonderful gifts.

Christmas Morning was extra special. Since this is my Sweetie and my last Christmas morning alone, we made it special. We awoke as normal and began our Christmas tradition of beginning the morning with homemade banana nut bread - provided by my mom and opening presents. Due to my New Closet, our Christmas was slightly smaller than anticipated. This means the gifts were more thought out and personal. I received gifts that prove that my Sweetie remains madly in love with me. I even had a couple of tricks up my sleeve and brought some tears to my Sweetie's eyes with how well I know him. After a slow morning with enjoying gifts and gathering all needed items, I cannot even imagine what next year will be like, we headed to my mom's. Due to my brother working on Christmas, we did not eat until close to six. The food was wonderful and we even played a game of Ninja Burger. My SIL (brother's wife) held a chain and pendant (really an earring) over my belly - according to this I am having a boy - we shall see.

Today was another wonderful day. After the normal grocery shopping, my mother, Sweetie, and I headed over to MotoDiva's for a Boxing Day dinner. Everyone was there and we enjoyed a relaxed day of food and conversation. Before we knew it, the time was past 10:30 and time to head home.

This next week is very special for my Sweetie and me. We both have the next week off and will treat it like a vacation. This is a weeklong celebration of our 7-year anniversary. I am not sure how much I will be able to post during this time, but I will try.

This Christmas was exactly what I wanted. I am so very happy with the memories acquired during this time. Next year will be even better.

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Hello Kitty Star Fairy



I'm Hello Kitty Star Fairy!
made by:Jen

Last Workday of the Year

Yes, poor little me, is watching the clock for my last 22 minutes of work for 2004. I have tomorrow and all of next week off. This is a great feeling because my Sweetie also has this time off (less tomorrow that is). We are going to treat it as a week long anniversary celebration. I can't wait.

Last night's Yule dinner was so wonderful. 14 of my favorite people around a large table makes for a cozy evening. Luckily Dark Diva used a very large table that was her mother's so there was enough room for all. After a dinner of goose, mashed potatoes, and cranberries, we enjoyed a walk down to the Lago Vista lake. The sky was wonderful for us. Without needing a flashlight we walked by moonlight. The water and the scene of everyone at this location was very surreal. It reminded me of something out of a movie or a video game. The older of DarkDiva's girls loved this scene. Playing by moonlight was second nature to her (she will be 3 next month). Once again I felt overwhelmed with the comfort that I feel around these people from all walks of life.

During the night we also made plans for Boxing Day (December 26th). Motodiva wants to make a large Christmas dinner. Since everyone has plans on Christmas day, she opted for the day after. This meal should have even more lovely people than the Yule dinner. I think it will be a perfect way to end the holiday weekend. The newest member of our group will also attend this dinner with her family. I can't wait to meet her daughter - she is just over 1, the same age as DarkDiva's youngest.

This Christmas season has been wonderful so far. I know it will only get better. I am feeling a lot of peace and comfort lately. This makes me smile.

I am off to head home, take a nap, and begin cleaning for Christmas eve. All is good.

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Yule, Anniversary, and Contemplation

Today is the first day of winter. This is also a very special day - 31 years ago today my parents went to the courthouse and entered into the wonderful world of marriage. Although my father only lived to celebrate 24 anniversaries with my mother, she considers today her anniversary, and a special day, as much as ever.

My parents were very much in love and endured their fair share of hard times - and I think they also took on enough hard times for others as well. However, my growing up was always filled with happiness, even when times were hard. I am thankful for the hard times, they taught me to adapt when needed (like when my Sweetie was out of his industry for a couple of years and money was very tight) and to appreciate when things are going well.

My mother is the strongest woman I know. After losing my father, she was left with little insurance, out of date job skills, and a house to maintain. The catch was that she bought the house so long ago that the mortgage was cheaper than moving to a smaller place. My father has been gone for a little over 7 years. During this time, she paid off her house, found a great job where she was reintroduced to the working world (she worked with my father for 15 years in the family business). She became computer literate and even when she found herself unemployed due to a lay off, she continued to help the company that could no longer afford her. She is now in a position that she loves and that I hope will remain challenging. She handles tragedy and situations the way I do, one day at a time. We know we can overcome anything. As I am sure you can tell, we are extremely close.

I know she misses him terribly today. I cannot blame her. I try to cherish everyday with my Sweetie knowing that something can happen at any moment and take all this wonderfulness away. We must appreciate those we have, while we still have them.

I think my parents’ anniversary helped to choose my wedding date (and the college calendar). I always associated their anniversary with Christmas. My Sweetie and I will celebrate 7 years on January 3rd. Much like my parents, we endured our fair share, and then some, of hard times. However, I am happy to say that we kept our faith and focused on our love and finish our 7th year stronger than ever before.

Tonight to celebrate Yule, and to make sure that my mom gets out of the house, we are going to DarkDiva's house for Yule dinner. This should be wonderful. The whole clan should be there, except for MotoDiva's husband who is in Afghanistan. I cannot wait. I simply adore these women. They are strong, intelligent, and unique. They are unlike any past friends, mostly with the intelligent and strength issues. We are not like a click in high school. We do not dress alike or speak alike. If you saw us apart, you might never guess we are good friends. Our ages range from 28-37 (shhhh she claims she is 35 and 30 months). While we are all married, these relationships are as different as we are.

Tonight we will dine and enjoy each other’s company. During the long drive to DarkDiva’s house, I will ask my mom to tell me the story of how my father proposed and about their wedding day.

Whether you are celebrating Yule, winter, an Anniversary, or simply a Tuesday I hope your evening is wonderful and magical.

Monday, December 20, 2004

Kidnapping, jeans, lights, and Whataburger

First I must say that I am wearing my favorite jeans - buttoned and all - Don't even ask, I have no clue.

Second, on to the weekend.

This weekend was so eventful.

Friday
I took Friday off from work to complete Christmas shopping - almost done - and to relax. The real reason is that I lose vacation time if I do not use it - I know poor me. Friday was so productive. I had a great time shopping. I spent some quality time with myself. It was a beautiful day that did not require a jacket.

Friday night
Friday night my Sweetie and I went with MIL, SIL, niece, Grandfather-in-law, SIL's boyfriend, and my mother to see the Trail of Lights. It was wonderful and not too chilly. My niece (8) and I spent most of the time together enjoying the lights and atmosphere. We had such a good time my Sweetie and I took her home with us to spend the night. All in all, a wonderful family outing.

Saturday
Saturday we took my niece shopping. She was so wonderful. She really is a great kid. The best part was as we were leaving she saw the Salvation Army bell ringer and asked to give some money. That made my day.

Saturday night
Date Night!!! This week was the complete opposite from the week before. We dressed up more for Ballet Austin's Nutcracker. While our clothing was fancier the dinner was less fancy than the week before. We went to Whataburger for a nice fast dinner. Whataburger holds a lot of sentiment for us so in no way do we consider it as unworthy. Afterwards we headed to Bass Concert Hall. The Mice greeted us at the door offering programs of the event. That was so very cute. We bought a soldier for our Christmas tree, very cute. The show was wonderful. The children seated around us were all angels. The only situation with a child was when a baby boy tried to crawl on stage during the production. It was quite funny to see the father pull him back. Afterwards we enjoyed a romantic dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. The evening was a wonderful one filled with exactly what we needed - us.

Sunday
After an early start with the grocery store, I met DarkDiva, MotoDiva, Best Friend, and a new member of our group for a late lunch. This was a wonderful meal that turned into a day outing. My Sweetie dropped me off so I was bound to go with my friends wherever they led me. After lunch we went to the Arabic Christmas Bizarre to watch some belly dancing. The woman was very impressive and two of my friends are going to take classes to learn the art of belly dancing. After the belly dancing we took a small break to enjoy some coffee and conversation. At this point the newest member had to leave our adventure. Next stop Toy Joy
Which is a very neat toy store filled from floor to ceiling and open until midnight. After almost two hours in this store, and not seeing everything, we headed to the Armadillo Christmas Bizarre. This is a very Austin tradition with artists and live music. We had a blast. We finished the evening at Magnolia Cafe. By the time I got home I was exhausted and happy.

This week should be very laid back. I believe most are out of the office, which is good for me. I am hoping to work half days today through Wednesday with Thursday through January 3rd off. Hope it works out for me :-)

Thursday, December 16, 2004

In case anyone is keeping score

Today we hit a milestone. I officially cannot button my jeans. Now keep in mind that I wore these jeans on Monday - they were a little tight but I could button them. Since I have lost weight so far, I know it is all baby. So today I have my pants only zipped like I had to do when I had my belly button pierced. The jeans fit everywhere else except my belly. This is so funny.

Things about me

Stolen from Sister in law...THANK YOU!!!!

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Melissa
2. Missy
3. Mouse

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. edited for your protection
2. edited for your protection
3. edited for your protection

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. Emotionally strong
2. have a good time
3. When I set my mind to something - I achieve it

THREE THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. Sometimes get too stressed
2. Procrastinate
3. Like control

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. Irish
2. Polish
3. Russian

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Losing family
2. Losing family
3. Losing family

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. My Sweetie
2. Family and friends
3. My pooh bear

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Jeans
2. Sweatshirt
3. Loafers

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS (or artists (at the moment)):
1. Sarah McLachlan
2. Nora Jones
3. Tori Amos

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS AT PRESENT:
1. Answer
2. Do what you have to do
3. Baby Mine

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:
1. Have a baby!
2. Complete school
3. Pass CPA

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP (love is a given):
1. Trust
2. Communication
3. Laughter

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
1. I can overcome anything in my life with the proper support system
2. I like to be silly
3. All I care about is material things and fashion

THREE PHYSICALITY'S THE OPPOSITE SEX HAVE THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. Be my Sweetie
2. Wonderful waistline
3. Great butt

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:
1. Word scrambles
2. Get to work early on a regular basis
3. Drink anything warm for the first drink in the morning

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Hanging with my Sweetie doing anything
2. Walking
3. Going to dinner with friends

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Sleeping
2. Christmas shopping
3. Reading

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING:
1. Stay at home mom
2. Work for a non-profit
3. Auditor

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Complete a full marathon
2. Go back to Disney World
3. Get to a better place with several personal issues

Monday, December 13, 2004

Most Fantastic of Weekends

This weekend was action packed and wonderful.

Friday night we decorated my mom's tree. Due to my brother being sick - it was just my sweetie, my mom, and I. We ventured out for dinner since it was the three of us. I was good and enjoyed myself while watching what I ate. It is nice to know that the waiter will not look at you funny if all you order is soup. Afterwards the tree came together beautifully.

Saturday started early with shopping with my mom. We left my Sweetie to his own devices since she wanted to shop for him :-) We were very productive, energetic, and had a wonderful time. I got home in time for a nap with my Sweetie before getting ready for our date.

Saturday night was perfect. We went to dinner at East Side Cafe. If you are ever in Austin, you should really try it. The location is a home that they converted to an intimate dining atmosphere. They have their own organic garden from which the vegetables and herbs arrive. The food was fantastic, it was my Sweetie and my first time to eat there - my Sweetie heard about it and wanted to take me, thinking I would eat up the atmosphere. He was so correct. The food, however, was beyond words. I had the beef tenderloin, garlic mashed potatoes, and salad. While I could only eat half of it because of my reduced appetite, my Sweetie did not mind finishing my portions. We finished with sharing a dessert. My Sweetie is not a big dessert fan. However, this time he ate the majority of the pie and scraped all crumbs off the plate. That says a lot.

After dinner was the Concert. We saw the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. It was awesome. They provide music with a rock edge - such as Christmas with rock, or rock opera. My favorite song of theirs is Christmas Eve, which has Carol of the Bells. This is our favorite Christmas Carol. Hearing it in person is even more intense and wonderful. The concert was more like two concerts in one. The first half was Christmas Eve and Other Stories - which in and of itself is a story told by these wonderful songs. The second half is the band playing other songs. One song that they played is coming from the album that they are currently working. It could not have been for fitting for my Sweetie and I; they played O Fortuna from Carmina Burana. This is a very special song for my Sweetie and I. Not only is it a wonderful piece of musical genius, it is also the first Symphony production that we attended. We will always remember this evening. Moreover, to hear it with the rocked out version at this concert brought out all our emotions.

Due to my lack of party animal status at this time, I was exhausted when the concert let out at 10:30. We got home around 11 and headed to bed. It was a very eventful day and I was tuckered out.

Sunday was the normal running around with lunch with friends before the grocery store. It was so good to see them again.

Now I am back at work. It is a cold day so I am seepy. I want to go home and crawl into bed. Alas, tonight my Sweetie and I are going Christmas shopping. That will be a lot of fun. I must find a second wind first.

Thursday, December 09, 2004

Today is slow

After a whirlwind last few weeks, today is a blessing and a curse. Today is a slow day. Sure there is work for me to do, but I do not want to and nothing has a deadline closer than three weeks out. So here I sit. This is not bad. I am catching up on my surfing - shhhhhh. I am very tired today, but having another good day. I think I might sneak out early and take a nap before my Sweetie gets home. If nothing else, I will go and sit on my swing and enjoy my backyard.

I love time in-between semesters it is the best. This is my last time to experience this in-between semester time. Last night, I started re-reading one of my favorite series of books, The Chronicles of Narnia. The first book is The Magician's Nephew; although some incorrectly believe that the first book is the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe - which is the second in the series.

I am so excited about Saturday. I will begin the day shopping with my mom and end it on a date with my Sweetie. I cannot ask for a better day.

Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Windy City, Closet Madness, Appointment Update

I am sitting in the swing my Sweetie bought me for my b-day (and put together while I was out of town). I love wireless internet. I am very happy and trying to think of everything that I need to post. The sky is a beautiful pink and blue. It looks like cotton candy. I think the colors are very appropriate considering my mood today.

Today is day two of feeling good and day three of my 2nd trimester. Monday was really bad with morning sickness for over 24 hours.

Chicago was good. I missed my Sweetie so much. I got to see snow and a cool museum though. I came home to a fully renovated closet. New paint and new shelving, with everything neatly put away. It was/is amazing.

We had another appointment on Friday. Baby is much bigger than a month ago. His/her back was to us while lying on its side. What we did see is a beautiful spine and a bit of a dance. My husband was so happy.

I am finally allowing myself to become excited since we are past the most dangerous time for miscarriages. And it is hitting me hard core. I love being pregnant. I love my belly - I started really showing the week of Thanksgiving. I believe this is my last week for my jeans. My Sweetie laughs about it. The funny thing is that my clothing fits everywhere excpet the belly. And I know it is all for baby since I have lost 7.5 pounds.

The funny thing is my Sweetie. He is so into this whole process. And he can't stop touching my belly, or my newly enlarged boobies (but I digress). He loves that I am starting to look pregnant and he loves going to the doctor's appointments with me. While in the waiting room I asked if he felt uncomfortable. He said no and that everyone knew why he was there, since few men (other than doctors) enter the office. He beams with pride and I can't blame him.

The hormones are hitting me hard as well. I started crying last night with the Nestle Tollhouse commercial about little hands. Then I got so frustrated that I cried harder when my Sweetie pointed out that I was acting pregnant. Today was the same situation. On the way to and from work I listen to the all holiday music channel (Chrismas is my favorite time of year). It was the first time for me to hear "Mary did you know" this season. This is one of my favorite and I cried and cried.

I am happy and that is all that matters. My Sweetie and I have big dates planned for the next two weeks. We are going to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the Nutcracker. This Christmas is about us since from this point on we will no longer be two.