It is Spring

I don't care that it is 48 days away, it is spring.

Today I was in full stupidity mode. Don't worry I will share.

Sweetie had to work through lunch so I ate my lean cuisine and decided to begin to complete my to-do list.

I packed the diaper bag. Put Bug in her carseat. Went to find my keys.

Could not find them.

Call Sweetie. He has a knack for helping me find them by simply being on the phone.

Find them, right where I put them on Sunday. Duh.

I check my pocket, touch the outside to feel the keys.

I put the carseat in the stroller - easier to get both the car.

I check my pocket, touch the outside to feel the keys.

I lock the door from the inside, but before I check my pocket, touch the outside to feel the keys.

I close the door and go to the car. It is unlocked. Strange. But I assume that I unlocked it.

I put Bug into the backseat, put the stroller in the back, get into the drivers side, reach into my pocket and pull out....

my watch.

No keys anywhere. I run to the back and everything is locked. Damn us for being good homeowners.

I call Sweetie and he says he will come and save me. I tell him not to rush. I had her diaper bag and it was in the 70s so we were set.

It was nap time so we ended up on my swing. I used the diaper bag as a pillow and had her sleep on me as we do on the couch. I had a blanket around her in case she got cold. I hate getting cold during a nap. I did not sleep. I enjoyed the weather. It was so beautiful. No clouds to be seen. It was the perfect kind of spring day. The kind where the wind causes sitting in the shade to be a little chilly but in the sunshine it was warm and inviting.

After about an hour, Sweetie rescued me - my hero - and I started the errands. I completed the most important one, shoes for carnaval. I hope that they work. I also bought the cutest pink messenger bag. While I was out, Sweetie called and said that the company finally hired him perm. Right on. He starts as an official employee - no longer contract - tomorrow.

It will be a good day for both.

sipping on chamomile

Throat still hurts. Not fun. Need to add on my "to-do" list to pick up some herbs MIL used last week.

Bug stayed home with me today - anyone surprised? I did not think so. We had a great and lazy day. I felt sick and I think Bug was fighting it. We slept A LOT. Sweetie came home for lunch. After he left, Bug and I took a nap for over three hours. Wow. But it did feel good. I woke to Bug at my side and Alley (our very big kitty) at Bug's feet. I always sleep the best when this kitty joins in. This is the first time the three of us have snuggled. I guess Alley has realized that Bug is staying.

Tomorrow is going to be very busy. Most likely, Bug will be home again - I need her. However, we have errands to run. We need to shop for 1st day of work, ADDYs, and Carnaval. Man, I am a busy girl.

So, this morning I was sleeping so nicely with Bug. We received goodbye kisses from Sweetie and did not wake up again for another two hours. When Sweetie got home tonight I asked him a question.

Me : Did you take pictures of me and Bug this morning?
Sweetie : Yes
Me : Why?
Sweetie : Because you two looked too sweet not to



Not the most flattering photo, but Bug looks cute and that is all that matters. Of course with the amount of napping we did today, I am sure she will be up very late. As it is now 10:15 and she is still wide awake.

Here is my to-do list for tomorrow:
1) Buy shoes for Carnaval
2) Find Dress for Addys
3) Pick out outfits for first three days of work, including red shirt for Friday
4) Find new purse
5) Fill out paperwork
6) Develop film for pictures of bug and Sweetie to take to work
7) Relaxing bubble bath to help prepare
8) oh and buy pills that MIL used, almost forgot already

And, of course, lunch with Sweetie, but that is never a "to do".

In other good news, I was able to stick to my Weight Watcher Points. With my weight loss, I have just eaten less if I go over board, while not really counting - hope that makes sense. I know that to lose these last 15-20 pounds I am going to have to count and be healthy. Today I did it. I was able to eat only 20 points. Sweetie and I are motivated with Carnaval this weekend. We ate healthy all day and then Sweetie was munchy and I suggest baking cookies. How funny is that? We are showing our bottoms off in less than a week and I suggest cookies. I did not bake them - I am strong - and plan to give the recipe a try for a Valentine's Day Present. Sweetie loves sugar cookies. However, he is very particular about them. Hopefully the recipe I found will be close to the massively produced version he loves.

Oh and one more thing, Sweetie and I have our "training plan" figured out for the marathons. Motive (half) is in November and Freescale (full) is in Feb. We are going to, sadly the first time ever, participate in the Capitol 10k on Apr 2. It is just under the half marathon mileage, and a good training event. Sweetie is running and I am walking. We begin our training on the 6th, also when my Buddy comes to visit me. I am very excited and already contacted the organizers to find out the course time. As you may not know, I have had two half marathons close early on me. However, I am much lighter now and will have a more consistent training program under my belt.

I also received my "come on you know you want to do it" package for the Breast Cancer three-day walk today. I need to talk to my boss about it. Not sure the etiquette for this kind of thing. I work for one charity, is it ok to support another. Know what I mean? I would expect her to say, do ours instead. But maybe not.

I ordered Sweetie's thong for Carnaval. He asked that I not post the photo that they provide on the website. Drat. Well, I have to admit the photo does look pretty porn- starish. Hopefully, I can convince him that his costume is very cool and tasteful photos will make the blogger world very happy.

Space bag

Weekend summary - because you are dying to know.

Friday - family dinner

Saturday - HowieMaui is officially moved to my side of town - woo hoo. Bug was so good and even made a new friend.

Sunday - store and errands

So I failed to post on HNT or SPF. Alas, I am not about to let down my public. I will post double this week.

We bought space-bags today. My Sweetie is absolutely giddy. He just finished finding all the sheets, comforters, and blankets that he could put into the bags. He then proceeded to shrink them while declaring how wonderful it was. Got to love him.

Tonight we had Bug's grandparents over for dinner. MIL, Mom, and Grandpa-inlaw. It was very nice and laid back - the kind of visit that I like.

I start my new job on Wednesday. I am still shocked that I get to work at my favorite non-profit. I figure that I will work there for as long as I can afford. The CPA is still on schedule, I just need to get my butt in gear study wise. I hope to test again in May.

Carnaval is on Saturday. I am so excited. But I am even more excited about the Addy's. My Baby deserves this in a big way. Such a big week.

Sorry for the lack of excitement in this post. I am tired and have a sore throat. Blah.

Tomorrow is my last Monday unemployed.

Will you still love me? - Chicago

I think I will start naming my posts according to what I am listening to. Or, most likely not, but today enjoy.

Yesterday and today have gone by much too quickly. Both days have been "mommy and bug" days. So wonderful. Yesterday was lunch with HS friends. We had a great time and had Little Caesar Pizza, I didn't eve know they were still around. The kids had fun and Bug helped me strap her into the carseat at the end. She was passed out by the time we got home, 5 minute drive. However, she did learn something yesterday, the art of climbing up. She has it down now, one foot goes up and then the next. She is getting too big.

Today was lunch with Kimberly and Tiff from my last job. I miss them. Bug was the best. Then they convinced me to go back to my old job and show off Bug. It was hard but asshole boss was not there. The best part? The temp said I look so good, actually said it a lot. Then she said she expected me to look stressed and haggard. And that I looked very stressed when I left. She said I looked so happy. Right on. I said that things had been better since leaving. I love it. Everyone was so impressed with the new job. And one co-worker who did work for this organization a number of years ago was very impressed. It made me feel good - esp since the company where Sweetie is working is going through some reorganization. Our experience in the past is that means getting rid of marketing/advertising. But we shall see. I am being optimistic, I am being optimistic.

After seeing the old coworkers, I took sweetie lunch. He said I looked so cute - white t-shirt, brown cargo pants, and UT Champion hat. He also said I looked so thin. This made me feel very good as this was what I wore when I saw old co-workers. Temp also asked if I lost more weight, I proudly said "yep I have lost 58 now" and she said it shows in my face.

Sweetie is working late tonight so Bug and I are having a girl's evening. She is into EVERYTHING so we are in her bedroom. And she is into EVERYTHING in here. My goodness, she is beyond mobile. She just keeps impressing us on a daily basis. And, by miracles of miracles, her socks have stayed on ALL day. I think this is a record since she learned she could take them off, or they could fall off from her movement.

10 Things on Tuesday

~The Nestle Commercials make me tear up so badly.
~I have had my toe-nails painted purple since my face-to-face interview.
~I am wearing a size 8 sundress today. Sweetie loves sundresses.
~I drink water out of a "bubba keg" it is huge. I try to drink 2 a day.
~Tuesday nights Mom comes over to watch Gilmore girls. Tonight is a repeat so Sweetie gets to play his game.
~Tomorrow is lunch with the two girls from HS that I refound at the reunion
~Thursday is lunch with old co-workers
~Friday is hopefully movie with HowieMaui
~I just got notification that my order of car magnets and bracelets will be delivered on the 27th, the ones for the new organization I work for. If I know you IRL you probably will get one.
~I am going shopping in my closet for my outfit for the Addy's. So nice to be able to fit into smaller sizes. Go Red for Women is Feb 3rd. So I need to keep that in mind. There is a pink necklace and bracelet that I have been eyeing at Target. If I find something to wear in my closet then I save money and I can buy some accessories.

Shove me in the shallow water... before I get too deep

Enough of the Deep, at least for a couple of hours, lol. Thank you for letting me write things that make me so much to me. Everyone's comments made me smile.

My goal for today is to write random, silly, superficial (that's for you Tiff) things.

The Blogger Blowout is coming up quickly. I cannot wait to meet everyone. I have to find the perfect outfit. I do not want to show up on Kami's FUG Thursday.

I had lunch with Mom and Sweetie. No matter the amount of time since the last time I saw him, I get so excited and feel butterflies when I see him again.

I started cleaning out the pantry today - see I am more motivated since I got the job. It is sad the amount of unorganization in there. Not to mention the amount of food that expired in 2002-2003. I also started a bag for the food bank, non expired of course.

I also bought a VCR today. Did you know it is very hard to find a vcr that is not a dvd/vcr? Well, I found one at Wally World. I have not been in there since I first found out I was pregnant, very strange. We lost our VCR back in 2004 when our last one attempted to eat our sonogram tape. The punishment? Sweetie destroyed it. However, I have videos and workout videos - namely TaeBo - that I do not want to lose the ability to use. Unfortunately, it took too long to get it set up and tonight's workout did not happen. I must wait until tomorrow.

12 days until carnaval. I am not stressing. Sweetie says I am hot. Most notably on Saturday. I was in a bra and panties (yes you need to know this) and he said I looked so thin (talk about bedroom points). Then I put on this cute button up shirt and did not have it buttoned as I go into Bug's room to see how they were doing with getting ready. He turns to me and says that I looked sexy. Right the freak on. I am so awesome. I think I will show this thinness off with HNT.

Sweetie is dragging me to bed. For some reason he says there is a reason I need to be there, lol. Yes, I declared it "Mind in the Gutter Monday". Off to get my "cardio".

You've come a long way, baby!

I found a journal tonight from early 2001. Things were not good then. You can read the unhappiness in my words. Looking back, I did not realize how things were. I was around the weight I am now but my confidence was totally opposite. I thought I was huge and ugly. I was suffering from depression but was not diagnosed yet. I had a "best friend" who spoke down to me and made fun of my schooling.

Reading these entries, there were only a few as I can never continue for long when I try to journal, I began to cry. Sweetie hugged and kissed me and told me how things are so very very different now. It is true. I am a completely different person than I was during this timeframe. But I cry for her. I cry for the old Missy. But I know I had to be her, had to experience her, in order for me to be who I am today. And I love who I am today. I am smart, cute, sexy, fun, a great mother, and a fantastic wife.

It is a strange feeling when you think you have come a distance but lack the proof to show you how far. Then you find the proof, in your own handwriting, and it is further than you ever imagined. It is a feeling of excitement, achievement, and an overall strange sensation.

Here's to growth, here's to change, here's to standing up for your life and making it what you want and what it should be. Most importantly, here's to knowing the good you have in life and grabbing hold to never let go.

I have to say, this makes me want to keep a better journal.

She Stood

First things first, Bug stood - by herself - without aid - for 5 seconds. I always said she would do all her firsts when she was pissed. That is what happened. We left the room, how dare us. Actually only a few feet away for half a second. I turn back and she is standing. I cannot believe it. She is amazing, and currently sleeping on me.

This weekend was a lot of fun. Friday was celebration for SIL's birthday. Then Saturday was family day. The evening consisted of HowieMaui and her husband coming over for dinner and long conversations that lasted into the wee hours of the morning. They are moving closer to me next week, YAY. Today was the normal store and errands, oh and Bug standing.

Sweetie and I are so excited about the Addy Award Ceremony. It is the night before Carnaval and we are going to do it up right. It is a chance for a romantic evening for us, I never say no to that. Dinner is provided at the ceremony but we are going to enjoy a sexy dessert. Tomorrow I need to buy the tickets. Such a great chance to let my man show off his many talents. This also gives me a chance to buy something slinky.

Today, at the grocery store, I heard the WORST version of "Tears of a Clown". Horrible, really. Some remakes should not be done. Smokey Robinson is the only true version.

This is what we saw when we woke up this morning. Birds!

Stuff Portrait Friday

As Kristine dictates, we take photos and show everyone our stuff. Come on, you know you want to play.

#1 Lotions
#2 ToothBrush
I combined these to save blog space. These are the lotions I love. As well as my handy dandy toothbrush. Yes, the label is upside down. No, I am not that anal to reshoot. Man, this one is hard. I want to reshoot it, but that would mean that I am very anal and we cannot have that. Sweetie even said not taking another picture is going to be hard, for both of us. Oh yes, have I ever mentioned, my Sweetie is very anal. In some ways more so than I am.



#3 Towel
This is one of the towel set that we bought when we moved into the house. MIL gave us new towels last year for Christmas. I was going to show both, but I cannot find one that is clean. So here you go, one green towel and me knowing that I have to do laundry tomorrow.

WOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOWOW

Today has been the best. I spent the day with Bug and received the job I wanted.

Then Sweetie comes home with the best news. He received a letter today stating that he won an Addy for his new logo. This is huge. He received his first ones at the 2002 awards ceremony (a bronze and silver in web design). Now 4 years later, and after a lot of bullshit with his industry, his time has come again.

He is so happy. He ran into the house and gave me a big kiss before handing me the letter. He won on his favorite aspect of design - identity. Not only that it is something that he designed for himself. So awesome. He has worked on his logo for over 7 years with a number of revisions. Finally he is at a place where he created something award winning that repersents him. He is downright giddy. I love seeing him like this.

The awards ceremony is the day before Carnaval. Talk about a great week. I start work on a Wednesday, Friday is the Addy's and Saturday Carnaval.

Such a good day.

Found Me

The background check came back clear - knew it would.

It is official, I have given up the good paying world of Accounting to work in Non-profit. The paycut is 30%, but the feeling of reward that working for an organization like this provides more than compensates.

I am the office manager/bookkeeper. I start on the 1st, unless I decide I need a couple more days of my fun, lol. This means no more close or audits (for now). This took up most of my time when I was putting in long hours. I will be doing things to help the chapter. I will do things that make me feel proud.

The pay cut was hard. For a few years I was the breadwinner - when Sweetie was only bartending, due to the stupid economy. For me to take a pay cut was hard. Then I found a journal entry I wrote in July when I was working on the 30 days to change your life (still need to finish that). The question asked "what is happiness"? I described this job to a T, even the paycut and short commute (half what it was for my last job).

I look at it this way. It is a great way to get into non-profit (to get positions any higher organizations normally require non-profit experience) and it is a reduced stress environment so I can study for the CPA and not work long hours. I know this is going to lead to great things.

I am very happy. I can tell my daughter that I do not work to make someone else rich, I work to save lives.

I look over the past month and a half. My last weeks working for Asshole are a blur, like looking at my work-life through a glass of water. My leaving gave me confidence. I stood up for myself and knew better things would come. I told Sweetie that I could get a better paying job than even at my last job. He told me that it wouldn't be worth the stress. He is proud of me. Mom is proud of me. That is all that matters. Oh and Bug growls. But she growls all the time.

Now that it is for sure, I am motivated to clean and organize with my time off.

Half Nekkid Thursday #2

Not nekkid as in clothing. This week's Nekkid shows emotional Nekkid. With my job situation in limbo, I feel very vulnerable.

iTunes, youTunes, everyoneTunes

We got my SIL her b-day cards tonight. Bug had a good time. She is so into everything. It is amazing. Sweetie is currently working out and I am in the mood for some blogging.

Something I saw recently that I want to participate in. Go into iTunes, play on random 15 songs and report the results.

1. You're Still the One - Shania Twain - I love this song, it reminds me of me and Sweetie
2. I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan
3. Carbon - Tori Amos
4. Policy of Truth - Depeche Mode
5. Montana - Venus Hum
6. Boadicea - Enya - My all time favorite Enya
7. Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel
8. Ecce Grantum - Orff Carmina Burana
9. Concerto for Violin, Obeo, and Sreings in C Minor - Bach
10. Time to Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman
11. Against all Odds - Phil Collins
12. Watermark - Enya
13. Allegri; Misere Mei, Deus - The Winchester Cathederal Choir
14. Ice Cream - Sarah McLachlan - Sweetie and I adopted this song as one of ours after singing it to eachother at the concert in 2004
15. It Don't Matter Now - Alison Krauss - the line "Is that sorry on your Breath" is what I used for my post back in Feb.

I am not sure if this is a good sample of my library. But it shows some of my tastes. Oh damn, I don't have some of my Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, or Reba in my iTunes. Yes, I like a variety of music.

What do I title this

Today started a little rocky as I was feeling some sadness, nothing caused it - it was just there. I went back to sleep and that helped a lot. I had good dreams, wish I remembered them. Sweetie picked me up to run errands and eat lunch. Any time I am with my Sweetie things are better. When I got back home I decided that I needed some pamper time. I colored my hair, nothing drastic - not with the new job. I held back my urges for plum and went with a light golden red. I think it just evened out the red already in my hair. While it was setting, I put on a mint facial mask. So nice. I feel refreshed, revived, and beautiful.

Friday we are celebrating SIL's b-day. Tonight, Mom and I (along with Bug) are going shopping for her. So many birthdays right now, DarkDiva's is the 3rd, yep day before Carnaval, and Brother's is the 16th. Speaking of Birthdays, Tammy turns 30 on Friday. As she told us this week is her b-day week. Happy Birthday Week Tammy. A lot of friends/blog buddies are hitting their 30th b-day. I turn 30 in 298 days. Not that I am counting. However, I have been told that I do not look it. The best part of the Diva Party was hearing BellaDiva tell me her husband told her "man, that terry is robbing the cradle". This is huge. When I was heavy (I love being able to say "when") I looked older than my Sweetie - there is only 15 months between us. Sweetie keeps repeating it and giggling. He loves it.

Sweetie was so good about his 30th. It helped that he had a beautiful daughter to help celebrate. She will be 17 months for my celebration. I wanted to have my CPA complete for this big b-day. However, as my career path is changing slightly, I am no longer putting the pressure of passing on myself. I am, however, keeping my resolution to complete the Motive Bison Stampede with a better time than in 2003. It is the week after my b-day. It is the half marathon with the fucking hills.

Which brings me to marathon training. I will work on my base until mid May and that is when I will begin the training of LSD walks on Saturday mornings. MotoDiva wants to run the NYC marathon in 2007. You have to qualify, but I would love to participate. The three day Breast Cancer walk is still up in the air.

As far as the job, I am still waiting on the formal offer letter. The more I think about it, it is where I am supposed to be right now. I will just feel better once I receive the offer letter. Then I can talk about it. Dying to tell everyone what it is - within limits of course.

WBW = I am looking for pictures, but do not know if I can come up with anything. Can an ex-boyfriend be considered a WTF?

No Dye

Bug went to bed at 10:30. As in we were in there trying to get her to go to sleep since 9:30. She wants so badly to be a night owl. Poor little thing, you can see in her eyes all she wants to do it play. Sweetie and I are so good at double teaming her though. I read "Goodnight Moon" and Sweetie read "Runaway Bunny".

So no hair dye for me today. I can do it in the morning. Then maybe I can get the formal offer letter and I can post about this job already.

Do what feels good

I have mentioned before how great I feel in my skin. I still have 10 pounds to lose to no longer be considered overweight and 4 extra pounds to be in WeightWatchers healthy weight range. That is not far considered all that I have lost. However, in 1997 I was in this range and thought I was huge. It is funny how we can be crazy at times.

Sweetie and I were talking last night about HNT. He thinks it is one man, which is true, who wants to see boobies and bottoms. What he thinks is amazing is that we are following along. He has no problem with me posting pictures, he just does not understand the full reason why we do it. I talk like I have done more than simply one HNT. But I know why I did, and will continue to do it. I do it because for the first time in my life I feel comfortable in my skin. Even when I was in chain mail at Ren Fair, I did not believe I looked good. I know I look good now. And if you don't think I do, I don't care. I am only including those who think I do in this survey. That is the biggest step for me, not caring what others think. I can't say that I am 100% cured on this, but I am working on it.

Being comfortable in my skin has also stopped me from working out like a mad woman in these last weeks before Carnaval. That is good. I always set myself up for failure like that. Right now I have had to focus on ME. On what I want for a career right now and what is best for my family. I hope this job still works out. I was once told, a position can not be considered filled until the first day of service. I have to agree. A lot can change between the talk of an offer and first day. However, nothing would change from my side, I still want the job very badly.

Today I have been a bum. Bug is in school and I have taken two naps so far, lol. The good thing is that it has been good sleep, not because of sadness. It was comfy, I can get away with it, kind of sleep. It is me being like a little kid and that is fun sometimes.

Now I need to finish this post so I can fold some laundry. Tonight is Gilmore Girls and I am cooking dinner for my mom, Sweetie and me. MamaDuck got me in the mood for baking. I might have everyone eat sugar cookies tonight for dinner. Then tonight, pending Bug going to sleep, I am going to color my hair and give myself a facial.

How much to ship this package?

Friends like these

Title is an album/song title from a band called the John Barry Project. When you live in "The live music capital of the world" you can find a local band with much less than 6 degrees of separation. This is a jazz band. I worked with the Piano player when I worked with my Buddy Chris. I received the CD free because I liked the music. In my music appreciation class I wrote a poem about walking with the Music "December 1st" as the muse.

I am very blessed with the friends that I have, as I have said many many many times before. Crappy friends help you realize the good ones. I was lucky enough to dine with HowieMaui and her husband on Friday night. Sweetie, Bug, and I went with them to Hooters to celebrate my job pending background check. Then I headed to the Diva slumber party. It was a lot of fun but much less wild than I expected. There were six of us all together. BestFriend, DarkDiva, MotoDiva, and two "new" members to the group. We had IronDiva (she has completed many half ironmans and was nice enough to talk to me about endurance training, her first full ironman is scheduled for April and she expects it to take her 14 hours - OUCH), and BellaDiva (she is a henna artist with four kids). DarkDiva painted a beautiful dragon on MotoDiva's arm. It took four hours. The time slipped away as we talked and watched the artist at work.

I am also lucky enough to be in contact with several people from high school. Not the bitches mind you, I wrote them off. However, my favorite guy friend in HS is coming to see me. YAY. He lives in Maryland now, much too far away. I am not sure when I last saw him. It is a blur. I know I helped him move into the house where he got to know his wife. And I know he saw my tattoo, roses, when it was fresh. It must be almost 10 years. If everything goes right, I get to see him on the 6th for dinner. I cannot wait.

Yes, I am in a sappy kind of mood. Yesterday was family day and I soaked in all the time I could with Sweetie and Bug. We were going to fly kites, THANK YOU BESTFRIEND, but Bug and I needed a nap and it was too late when we woke up. That is ok, we needed the rest. Then this morning Bug wanted to sleep instead of going to church. The solution? Sweetie went with my mom and let us sleep (completely his suggestion too). It was so nice of him. When he got back I let him sleep, took the then awake Bug with me and Mom and did the grocery shopping/errands.

It is late. I will post more tomorrow. Hope those with the day off enjoy it and are safe. I am working on the house. It is much different to be home looking for a job than it is to be home waiting for a job to start.

Sweetie and I watched RC-gas cars race (bug slept through it). Very cool. Sweetie has two gas powered offroad cars that he received as payment for decorating a baby room in 1999. I think watching the race will make him want to get his cars running.

WOO HOO

I got the job. Pending the background check, I got the job. The catch? It pays 16k less than my last job and 8k less than I expected. I am trying to negotiate it by 3k, sounds better to ba a multiple of 5. I must say, I would get like 7 weeks off a year. Almost comparable to the potential 7 months at my last job, lol.

I hate that this society is so obsessed with money. And DarkDiva's DH has been mentioning over and over about his 6 figure salary. I guess if he had a position that he could feel this strongly about he wouldn't mention it.

What the hell am I saying? I was making 1k less than this offer at my job with my Buddy Chris. This was from 2001-2003 that I made this salary. The catch, my Sweetie only waited tables at the time.

And when you find out the company, you will understand my problem with asking for more.

Stuff Portrait Friday

This week Kristine assigned us three Friday the 13th items.

Something you are afraid of: My cell phone is my biggest fear right now. I am so afraid they are going to call and say I did not get the job.

Lucky Charm: It is true. Sweetie is my biggest lucky charm. He gets me through all the tough times and is the best to celebrate the good times with.

Something Friday the 13th ish: The invite for the Diva Slumber Party tonight. THANK YOU AGAIN SWEETIE.

National Delurking Week

As I found out from The Kept Woman and Flutter, it is National Delurking Week.

So please leave me a comment.

Half Nekkid Thursday

I am following the crowd and starting HNT.




Tell me if you played.

Divas Divas Everywhere

1st things first, I have heard nothing about the job. No word so stop asking :-)

Yesterday, today and tomorrow are full of divas. Yesterday, Mom and I had lunch with Motodiva. She was so nice and even paid. We discussed my job potential and her trip to NYC in March - she wants to go alone. The group trip is now planned for May. Last night my little family packed up and went to DarkDiva's. It was a very late night as DarkDiva made Sweetie's mask for Carnaval. This is going to be so much fun. Tonight is dinner with Bestfriend and her Husband. And then tomorrow is dinner with HowieMaui and off to the Diva slumber party.

So I have had a little voice in my head about this job, it is not on the traditional path for accountant, and I know it will be less money than I can get elsewhere. But Sweetie keeps reminding me how fulfilled I would feel, the reduced stress, and how great I could do this job. I remind myself that it would be like volunteering and getting paid for it. I also remind myself that I need a place where I can thrive and build back up my confidence after asshole boss. OK enough about the potential job. Everyone's fingers still crossed for me???

I have a Bug home with me today, due to coming home so late last night. She is being cute and playing and talking. She says a lot you know, just don't know what it is. We love her so much. Hard to believe that 7 months ago she was a slug. Today she is her own little person.

Strange transition, but today is Thursday. That means half nekkid Thursday. I think I will play this week. Must go take a picture of myself......

OMG

THEY ARE CALLING MY REFERENCES. PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE.

I LOVE

making out with Sweetie. I don't mean sex, although I love that too. What I mean is making out. Like teenagers. Makes me smile.

Me

I've seen this on many sites and I am joining in the fun.

4 Things About Me

Four Jobs You've Had In Your Life:
1. HEB Checker
2. Lammes Candy
3. Accountant
4. I so badly want to enter a new one here - please let me get this job

Four Movies You'd Watch Over and Over
1. Pretty in Pink
2. Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind
3. Fight Club
4. Princess Bride

Four Places You Have Lived
1. Cedar Park, Tx
2. Austin, Tx 1st apartment with sweetie, where we lived when we got married
3. Austin, Tx 2nd apartment with sweetie, where we lived when he graduated
4. Austin, Tx 1st house with sweetie - where we still live, will be 7 years in March

Four TV Shows You Love to Watch
1. Gray's Anatomy
2. Medium
3. Gilmore Girls
4. How I met your mother

Four Places You've Been On Vacation
1. Jamaica
2. Disney World
3. Denver Colorado
4. Vegas

Four Websites You Visit Daily
1. yahoo mail
2. gmail
3. blogs I am addicted to
4. statcounter

Four of Your Favorite Foods
1. Chocolate
2. ice-cream
3. Cheeseburgers
4. anything made by my Sweetie

Four Places You'd Rather Be Right Now
1. Disney Land
2. Bubble Bath
3. Movies
4. Outside walking

yummy

oh and I love the new Black Cherry Vanilla Diet Coke.

A little faith and everything crossed

My father. He did not believe in working long hours only for fancy things to take the place of parents. We were not poor, but we had our rough times. My dad owned his own business and taught us that family came first. While family vacations were few due to the work, he did eat 99.9% of all dinners with the family and enjoyed weekends with us. This is how I was raised.

I got myself all pretty for the interview. The location is so good, very close to both Mom and MIL's work. I met quite a few of the staff. Most are blonde, thin, and pretty. Sweetie said I can dye my hair blonde and I will fit in nicely. He is so good to me. The interview went well. My office would be cute and very me. I would decorate it with photos of bug and sweetie. The people are so nice. Boss would be female, best friend says I need this. The next step of the process is a phone interview with the Controller in New York at the main office. At the end of our discussion she wished me well, shook my hand, and told me that she would be in contact with me.

I went down the street to my Mom's work and we went to lunch, after sending a thank you e-mail to the women I met. So nice. After lunch I went to Target, yes again. I am in desperate need of underwear. My bikinis are looking like briefs. I got some wonderful ones that make me feel pretty. Shortly after getting comfortable with my computer I get a call from - wait for it - the controller in New York. He said the woman likes me a lot.

Of course there is always a problem. You see this job is an office manager/bookkeeper position. Very different path. I am very over qualified for the position. However, if you knew the company, you would understand. It is not about the money. It is about coming home and being happy. He is concerned about me becoming bored and finding another job quickly. At the end he said that he will let it be the woman's decision.

I called Sweetie and asked him his opinion since this accountant said he would not take a job like this if he were me. Sweetie kept saying that this is the job for me. It will make me happy. He told me "this job is for you. Its -good- for you and good -for- you." This is very much a Sweetie comment. I wrote to the lady and told her that I still remain interested.

Mom told me this "Just close you eyes, jump off the cliff and trust. You'll land softly".

The next step, if she still likes me, is a background check. This takes a couple of days. I probably won't know anything more until the end of the week.

Nervous

Interview in just over 13 hours. This weekend was very good but was not distracting enough. Friday night we went princess shopping as Lilly's b-day was Saturday. The party on Saturday was a lot of fun. Princesses were everywhere - as it was a princess party. The best part, Darkdiva (Lilly's mom) got a trampoline. I might have to give in, increase the life insurance and let Sweetie get one. If you do not know, Sweetie was a gymnast in High School and College. Well, I had fun too. First one is Sweetie flipping, still can at 30, second is me at a much calmer pace.

Today was the store, ho hum, and then getting me ready for my interview. MIL, Mom, Sweetie, Bug, and I all went to Target - hail the red and white. I got the perfect outfit for this interview. Have to remember that I live in Texas. Not only that, but Austin. Most businesses here are casual, and the rest should be. I got some nice tan capris, have to remember I am only 5'0" so they look like long pants on me, lol. I also got a nice nice t-shirt. I know that sounds horrible, but it is so nice. Oh and shoes. Unlike many women, I am not a shoe whore. I had to buy shoes for the occasion because of nothing I owned would work. I think it is great for a casual non-profit like this, oh I said too much. Honestly, I just want to be where I need to be. I believe in fate and if this does not work out, something better will. Oh and I also got me a great "way to go" outfit for myself. A shirt that says "inspire" and some great $10 cargo pants. I am so comfy as I write this.

Tomorrow morning the plan is to get up and help Sweetie get bug ready for the day. Then I will workout, time to think about answers and such. I also need to remember that I must do my nails, including toes as the shoes reveal my little piggies.

I hope I have an answer by Friday. Friday is an all girl slumber party at MotoDiva's yellow house. This should be fun. I will owe Sweetie so big for this one. It would be nice for this to be a celebration.

Speaking of an all girl night. If you notice my new button "Blog Blowout 2006 Austin, Texas". Planned for Feb 18. We have people coming from out of town and out of state. This is going to be a blast. Most of us only know each other through our blogs. What a great opportunity to meet with other women and discuss worldly events (aka lots of drinking, dancing, and having fun).

I need sleep. I need to practice answers. How do you answer "you are very over-qualified, why do you want this job" without jumping up and down screaming how long you have wanted to work for the organization at any position?

I will keep everyone updated.

Stuff Portrait Friday

Brought to us by Kristine

***** I must interrupt this post to inform the blogger world that I have a face to face interview with this company on Monday YES YES YES YES*****

back to SPF:


#1 Before - Not recent, but Serif's room.


#2 After -



#3 My Favorite - My Big Girl Bug

Finding me

Sink Clean - check
Bottles Washed - check

So I am taking a moment to blog. Today I had lunch with my old coworkers, Kimberly and Tiffany. I miss them. However, don't think the AP job will work out there. There are many string that Kimberly (AP Manager) has to go through. While I would still love to work with her, I understand.

My biggest resolution for 2006 is finding myself. I want happiness, I want to feel like I know the path I should be on. Family life is right on track, I am taking about outside of my marriage and family. For many years I was a student. That defined me. Now, while I am studying for the CPA, I don't have that definition. Don't get me wrong, I have the "Mom" title that I adore. I plan to walk more marathons and that might be all that I am looking for. I am much lighter than when I walked 13.1 miles. This year, regardless of what happens job wise, I am getting to know me.

The biggest step is that I am comfortable in my skin. My body is not perfect. However, it helped me walk marathons and have a beautiful baby. I am still working on my weight, my loss slowed with the holidays. I only have 17 more to go. That seems so small compared to the 56 lost. All I want for January is to firm up a little before my bottom shows at carnaval.

Another step in learning about myself is letting go of things. I have had HORRIBLE friends. Friends that if you knew the stories you would want to punch them. Friends that helped me to learn what a real friend is. Friends that, in spite of everything, I still do not hate. Friends that I had to have in order to have the life I have today. I have e-mails from these friends. Conversations that make me sad when I reread them. Words that were written to hurt. Lines I kept to remind me. They stalk me. From their safe folder they taunt me to remember. Things are much too good for me to allow this to happen. Things are so very different from then. Everything is different. These words are a shackle, holding me back from my full potential. Today I am going to delete this folder and all the contents. Today I am letting go. Today is the last step in moving on, releasing the last items that remind me of the past. It is done. Time to focus on people who impress, inspire, entertain, and respect me. Only today matters.

This feels great.

41 to 38

Well I'll be DAMNED.

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HORNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Blue Eyed Girl

Phoning it in

I write this during the 4th quarter of the Rose Bowl. UT is playing so we watch. Sweetie watches very little football. However, when a game starts, he is like any other man, loud and distracted, lol.

The phone interview went well. I want it badly, almost too badly. Might even say this is pretty darn close to my current dream job. Looked at salary surveys as to get a general idea what the pay may be, never supposed to ask until an offer is made. Not bad at all. It is about the same pay cut that Sweetie took for his current (please note - much less stress and less hours) job. I met the lady I interviewed with before so I knew what to expect (hmmm a slight hint as to the company) and she was very nice. Best Friend says I need a female boss. We shall see. I will know something next week either way. And yes, I already sent a follow up e-mail, hope I wasn't too gushy.

If this does not work out, I am looking into substitute teaching. Always been in the back of my mind. But it is hard hard hard work. I totally admit that. I figure substitute teaching would give me a glance.

Bug is totally mobile. She started pulling herself up on Monday. It has not stopped and she follows us wherever we go. I love it. She is such a little person now. Today Sweetie was running late and asked me to take her to school. After I pouted and realized she could not stay home with me due to the phone interview, I agreed with Bug and we took a nap. After the nap I was strong and took her to school. This is only the second time since Sept 1st. I did good. She was having fun and playing with a friend as I left. And food wise, tonight we hit the jackpot, Dutch Apples. Who knew? She liked it almost as much as bread.

Well, it looks bad for the 'ol Longhorns. Anything can happen. However, I am going to get ready for bed.

Have a great night. I will keep everyone updated on the job front.

Waiting

I hate waiting. My phone interview is scheduled for 19 minutes from now. I have my phone, I took a long shower to help with my confidence. I also applied for six other positions today. I know, I need to have faith. It is hard.

Sweetie asked me to have lunch with him today. I packed up food and we had a picnic. So Sweet. I am in a strange mood today, feel like I am in a void, I think it is the wait for the phone interview.

Crista mentioned that this year is when she turns 30, the same goes for me. This does not bother me. However, I have been thinking about it. If my plan continues *knock on wood* I plan to complete Motive for my B-day and Freescale in the beginning of 2007. Then we can start talking about a sibling for Bug.

However, something else has gotten into my head. The Breast Cancer Three Day Walk This is a three day walk that covers 60 miles. This year it occurs in Dallas/Fort Worth the weekend of Oct 27-29. Of course this will depend on many factors, but it sounds wonderful. Like something I would thrive doing.

So the plan is for me to get my mileage up and then I start marathon training in May, whether it is for Breast Cancer or Motive. Either way, I am walking at least 13.1 - 60 miles for my b-day.

Oh yea, and CPA testing. Don't worry, I have a plan.

Resolutions

Happy Anniversary Sweetie. Eight years ago today we became one. Thank you for saying "I Will" that cold and rainy day.

It is that time of year when we think of how we want to change ourselves and our life. Sweetie and I have resolutions just like anyone else. Mine are more important to me this year than others. With my work situation, I am trying to find myself. I have a phone interview tomorrow. I don't want to jinx anything, so I am not going into too much detail. But I would LOVE to work there. I mean LOVE LOVE LOVE. It is the kind of job that I would take a huge paycut to work there. OK paycut from what I was making, anything is more than now, LOL.

First thing first is Fly Lady. We are starting our 31 day introduction tomorrow. Tomorrow also begins working out and watching what I eat for Carnaval. Of course I say this after being completely full from Anniversary Dinner. There are other resolutions regarding walking, CPA, and being a better mother/wife/friend/daughter/sister.

2006 is going to be quite a year. It, of course, will not live up to last year with Bug's arrival, but I see it as good nevertheless.

I need to go and feed Sweetie some Godiva and get to bed. I hope everyone has a great day.

Happy New Year!

Time to recap. It is 2006. New Years Eve we had HowieMaui, her husband, Mom, Mil, Brother and SIL over to celebrate. We played games and had a blast. There is nothing better than bringing in the New Year with your child. Here we are with our kiss at Midnight. Shortly after midnight, Sweetie took me into the kitchen said "I want you with me forever". He then got down on one knee and asked me to Marry him again. Date to be determined. He also gave me a bracelet with the infinity symbol. He is the most romantic ever. New Years day continued with a family focus. We went to Luby's for lunch, as tradition requires. We ate our black-eyed peas and cabbage.

Today Sweetie and I celebrated our Anniversary, actual day is tomorrow. We went to Alamo and saw Harry Potter. It was very good. Sweetie was happy they took out the spider scene that was in the book. Then our fun really began. We got matching tattoos. This is our 8th anniversary. Eight on its side is infinity. We both got infinity on the middle of our upper back. Here is Mine and Sweetie's.

Tomorrow the celebration continues. I think Whataburger will be for lunch. We already have our champagne and godiva. Now I need to finish so I can eat grapes dipped in chocolate.