All Good Things.

Work is going great. I really love it so far. The mid-day hours are actually really convenient - for the most part, I'll just be dropping Jason off at work, chilling for an hour or two in the morning, going to work myself, then coming home to chill for another few hours, then picking Jason up from work (dropping off/picking up Tiegan in those times too of course).

So, I have a little bit of time before and after work to do chores/run errands or whatever needs to be done. Sweet.

Jason fixed the sump pump in the basement. I'm pretty proud, since he's usually quite the opposite of handy. I'm Mrs. Fix-It around here for the most part. And here I thought it was just supposed to be wet down there all the time. DUH. Apparently it will drain out and dry up in the next couple days. SOOO, now that we have a 2nd income, we might be able to swing our very own washer & dryer after all. The basement will still flood every once in a while, but the sump pump should take care of the majority of the damage. It's unfinished concrete floor & walls, so it's not like we have carpet or drywall to worry about. Now if only I didn't totally hate spiders...

Commence

Yep... I love my job.

I must admit I was pretty bored today because shadowing is the least hands-on kind of training you can get, but it's imperative. I learned the ropes of the ad tracking software they use, which is killer awesome. I kept thinking to myself, I wish we had this at the Town Crier. I probably said it aloud to my boss a few times, too. It would have been a world of help! I didn't even know software like this existed.

I also learned the building, and met about a gazillion new people. I hope they're not offended when I have to ask them to remind me of their names. It's a lot to take in at once.

I think I'm going to have a lot of fun working with the 2 others in my quad. It seems to be a laid-back atmosphere. I hope I can just let loose and be myself. Sometimes I have a little trouble with that. You either get Professional, Polite Ashley or Personal Ashley. I guess I just have a problem integrating my personal life with work. I'm not sure I've even told anyone my daughter's name. I'll get there. Just need to settle in & get comfortable with my surroundings.

In the meantime... must go shopping for desk accessories!

I'm a PC and I'm in the Trash

I wish I had photos of what we've been doing through the fabulous weather we've had the past couple days, but I don't. Honestly, I've been much more concerned with actually experiencing it than worrying about where my camera was. I guess it's for the better anyhow, because my PC (the one I store/edit all my photos on) is a goner... and not being able to upload/review my photos from the weekend right away would be irritating as hell.

I know.... !!! #$*#&@#$*&^#@*$&

That's about how I was feeling tonight when I tried several times to start up the PC, and it kept telling me something about Windows not being able to boot. Wonderful.

This is the same PC that I was going to try & sell. The one I said is only about a year and a half old, and really has no problem other than it wasn't made to handle all the pro software I use. What happened? I don't know. Whenever I'm financially able to replace my main work horse, it's going to be Mac all the way.

Let's also note that about 10 minutes after I gave up on the PC, a Mac commercial came on TV. You know, with Justin Long. It was the new one where the nerdy PC guy keeps racking up small print on the screen. Talk about adding insult to injury.

I've had this iBook since I was 19 (I'm almost 24 now, folks). Confession: I've dropped it. Several times. I've spilled drinks on it. There is electrical tape on the power cord. Its once-pristine white coat is stained and grungy, and the shell is cracked on one corner. In the almost 5 years I've owned it and used it practically every day, not once has it failed me. It's frozen up on me a few times, but never a tough fix. Not ONCE has it needed to be serviced. Not ONCE has it needed any replacement parts, other than the original power cord which was completely my fault.

Sure, it's a little slow at times, but tolerable. This iBook is loved, that's for sure. I don't think I could ever go through with selling it. I might even shed a few tears someday when it goes to Apple heaven in my closet. NERD.



In other news... I'll be starting my job tomorrow! I'm wicked excited. Also a little nervous, but only because I'm 7 months pregnant and have to pee every 10 minutes. I mean really... that could get irritating and not only for me. Normally, I'd just try and hold it like a champ. But you ever notice that you just. can't. concentrate when you really gotta go? And I need concentration. So, we'll all just have to deal with that simple annoying fact. I really want to prove my dedication & reliability. I will work up until the bitter end of this pregnancy. Which won't be too much longer now. Wish me luck!

A very uncomfortable birth

At what age do you suppose it's alright to explain the truth about how babies are born?

The other day, Tiegan said Sofia was going to come out of mommy's butt. After I laughed good & hard for a minute, I asked who taught her this (because it certainly wasn't me or her father), and with some coaxing, she admitted that Uncle Jimmy told her. I'm not sure if she's just saying that, but if he really did, it was probably just a quick-fix answer to an embarrassing question!

I sat her down with me and was going to explain to her how babies are really born, but she was hyper and distracted and kept interrupting me with totally irrelevant statements. I dropped the subject and she seemed to be unphased. So, I guess I'll let her believe babies come out of butts and we'll just address that issue later, if it ever comes up again. Any tips?

Sensitivity

I'm endlessly amazed at the things my sweet, nurturing, caring, empathetic, loving little girl says & does.

This afternoon, while we were spending some time at my mom's, my sister came over to finish a school project. She was clearly flustered and in a huge hurry. Later on, when she stopped back by after her presentation, Tiegan gave her a hug. And wouldn't let go. Just stood there and sweetly, silently hugged her Auntie Laura for a minute. This girl had been on the move ALL DAY without a nap, and stopped dead in her tracks just for this moment. When Laura let go and said "Aw Tiegan, I love you," Tiegan replied, "Yeah... When you were here before, you weren't smiling."

It was such a little statement, but it had a big impact. You could tell, just looking at their hug, that Tiegan was trying to somehow mentally float my sister some kind of happiness vibes. It was so touching.

Or maybe I'm just a proud, hormonal mother.

Really though - she is so intuitive to others' moods and emotions, and can instantly tell when you're not feeling well. I rarely admit to her when I'm feeling ill, unless I really need her to just chill out & give me a break. But when I do... she is all over me. In a good way. "Are you OK mommy? Can I help you? What can I get for you? Will a kiss make it better? Is it OK if I hug you? Do you feel better now?" She stays close by in case I ask for any favors. She strokes my hair and pats my cheek. I mean really, this girl is saccharine sweet.

I don't think it's a learned trait. I certainly don't obsess over people like this. Of course I help, treat and and aim to please like any mother/wife would, but she goes above and beyond what any would expect of a 3 year old. She just makes me so proud. I hope her sensitivity doesn't make her too gullible or susceptible to being taken advantage of in the future.

30 Weeks

Sorry, more crappy cell phone photos again. Maybe I will have Jason take some decent photos for me this weekend, if time (and natural sunlight) allows!

I got this super cute sundress & leggings at Kmart. Can you believe it? (The sundress is not Maternity... I think it's actually just a regular sz. medium). The ruffle just accentuates my big-ness, but what the heck. It will be cute post-partum too, as a swimsuit cover up or what-have-you. I know, I know, I have shopping plans with a couple of you. Oops. I couldn't help myself, though... went to Kmart for cheap summer clothes for Tiegan, and a couple grocery items. I always come out of that store with more than I planned for a couple reasons: 1. prices & sales, and 2. lack of competing customers. There is hardly ever anyone else in there. That's one reason I can't stand going to Walmart - it is always packed with stupid people.

Notice the boards behind the mirror in these shots... yep - still no headway in Sofia's room. It doesn't bother me so much anymore. We'll get it done, and I have faith in that. I think today's amazing sunshine has bleached my brain.

Dank

My [unfinished] basement has turned into a swamp. It was dry as a bone all winter, except for the two random warm days in February-ish when all the snow melted at once. The water seemed to soak right up from under the floor. Yikes. I guess I knew we had a "wet" basement, living on the lake and all, but I didn't know it was going to be like this. I'll have to share some actual pictures at some point. There is no way we'll ever be able to put a washer/dryer downstairs. I thought eventually we could, when we had the money... but I'm not jumping over puddles just to get to my laundry area!

Good thing there are plank crates on the floor. Since we don't have a garage, the basement is really the only place we have to store stuff. Which makes me nervous, even on the planks. Yet another reason why I think our house is fine as a rental, but not worth buying down the road.

Speaking of laundry...

I love doing laundry. As part of my preparation for my first day on the job, I'm doing loads... and loads... and loads of laundry at my parents' house today. Is it weird that I love doing it? I don't even mind the folding part, which seems to be everyone's least favorite. There's just something special to me about relaxing with a cup of coffee, with the gentle hum/rumble of the dryer in the background. It's soothing I guess. I think I've already been over this.

I have a few errands to run, including applying for a new social security card (seriously - what kind of idiot loses their social security card?!) and changing the address on my driver's license. Yes... I've been living at my current home 6+ months and I still haven't gotten a change of address sticker. Can you say SLACKER?

Dive In or Rest

Thank you all for the kind wishes about my new job! :) I received many congrats here, as well as on facebook, myspace and twitter (which I just recently signed up for - so, follow me and I'll follow you!). All the support and excitement surrounding the interview process and my waiting in agony has actually made this a fun experience. So, thank you again!

I find myself with mixed emotions today. It's mid-week with 4 days left until my life is completely overhauled. There are lots of things I'd like to get done before I start working, such as...
(oh goody! list time!)

• Finish Sofia's room - or at least get the crib up & start sewing the bedding
• Give the whole house a good spring cleaning
• Organize the sh*t out of my work area
• Laundry - LOTS and LOTS of laundry
• ... of course, clothes shopping

Getting these things done would take a huge load off my mind. Things that really don't need to be on my mind, clouding up my air space while I'm trying to learn my way through a whole new environment.

I constantly wonder what if Sofia comes early? Even 1, 2 weeks early. I want her room to be ready NOW just in case. You never know. I have horrible visions of my water breaking in public. How embarrassing would that be?! In these dreams, I'm apologizing to witnesses and frantically waddling to my car, while calling Jason and telling him to go straight home to set up the crib. Of course, in my dreams, nothing goes smoothly - he's missing this piece and that, can't find the right tools, and I'm in labor unable to think about anything but where the baby's gonna sleep when we get home because we haven't even picked up our old Pack-n-Play from my parents yet.

Stress much?

Back to reality for a moment...

So. Part of me wants to take the next 4 days and go over this house with a fine-toothed comb. I don't want to be coming home from work, exhausted, and still have rooms to clean & projects to finish. Not 7/8/9 months pregnant, at least. I'll have a lot more running around to do than I'm used to. Take Jason to work, Tiegan to sitter's, go to work, pick Tiegan up, pick Jason up. And since I'll be the one with the car, I expect to take on the majority of the random errand-running as well.

The other part of me wants to spend the next 4 days on the couch while I still can.

What would you do?

Working Girl

You're lookin' at a new Ad Designer for the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

That's right... I got the job!

I start Monday. The hours are soooo nice. I'm wicked stoked.
Wish me luck getting to know everyone and learning my way around the building, which always seem to be the most nerve-wracking parts of a new job (for me).

Who's gonna subscribe to the CitPat now that I'll be working there? Hmm? Support your local paper! :)

Upon a Shooting Star

Yesss!!
I had a 2nd interview today.

I'm pretty sure it went well. I was a little nervous to start off with, and as usual, bumbled about my words for a second or two. I'm not used to talking about myself. But once I relaxed and realized they are people too, it was smooth sailing. They are pretty darn hospitable at this particular establishment, I must say. I'd be happy to be a part of the whole thing.

Sorry to keep you in the dark. I'm trying not to give too much away at this point, for fear or jinxing myself. I really, really want this to go through for me.

It's too bad that if I do get the job, I have to ask for a few weeks off in July right off the bat. But nobody can help the timing, and I think they understand that.

I should be hearing the official verdict in the next couple days. Is it too early to go work-clothes shopping? Is it still jinxing if I keep the receipt and the tags on?

Rainy Day Project

One of Tiegan's Easter basket surprises was a triple-packet of the above seeds. I already had these 3 adorable pots sitting on the ledge above my sink, which I was using to hold tea bags. I thought they would be perfect for this little project.

I was hoping to do this outdoors yesterday, so we could be as messy as we wanted - but she was at her grandma's most of the day. When we picked her up, we went grocery shopping... and she fell asleep on the way home.

We were all in pretty grumpy moods this morning. Probably just coming down from the sunshine-induced high from yesterday, as today is 50 degrees and rainy. So, I thought I'd initiate this seed-planting project indoors to get everyone in better spirits. Tiegan has been so excited about finally doing this (asking me "is it Seed Day yet?"), I thought it would be uplifting for both Jason and myself, just to see the smile on her face.

We had to get some good soil from my dad (hence the dirt in a coffee can), as we probably shouldn't be digging in our yard. Besides - I don't know how good our soil is, and I didn't want T to be disappointed if her plants didn't grow. We knew my dad definitely has the best - he's a landscaper.

In the following picture she's patiently waiting for me to pat it down for her. Can you see my plaid preggo belly poking out in the corner? ;)

She's watered them, and now we wait. Wish us luck!

Friendly Ducks

Yesterday was gorgeous. Unfortunately we have to endure about another 5 days of chilly/rainy weather until we get the sunshine back. While I lounged in the yard, soaking in some rays (and getting one arm pinker than the other..??) Jason sat on the dock and fed the ducks. He took these pictures. I thought it was pretty cute how friendly they were being to him, and how he was talking back to them. (Sorry no Tiegan in these photos - she was at her playdate with Grandma).

They were coming up to nibble at his feet and everything. The 70-210 was mounted for these photos, which I have a newfound love for. I haven't used it in months. The depth of field is pretty great. The zoom is push-and-pull (rather than the typical twisting motion) which I thought might be awkward at first, but ended up falling in like with. Autofocus is a little jerky as it's an old lens, but easy to get used to.

Update on the job interview: I still haven't heard anything. I was told I'd be called early in the week, which was pretty disappointing come Wednesday afternoon, when it was officially no longer "early in the week." I'm still very anxious though, because I realize they have toonnsss of resumes to review and may just be bogged down. I'll give 'em a call this week. Wish me luck!

Sunshine... Cure My Shoulder

I found my old YouTube account, where I uploaded quick clips of Tiegan as a baby. Going through those old videos really makes me sad that I don't have a video camera anymore.

Anyone want to buy me one of these? My birthday is next month, ya know. ;)



Yesterday was a yucky day. I was feeling clumsy, sore, tired and frustrated with all the little things. Tiegan was up my butt, wanting to follow me to the bathroom all day (well knowing that I pee about every 10 minutes), hanging on me and yanking on my clothes, wanting to wrestle, and doing the whole "Mommy... mommy... mommy... mommy..." thing. I just reminded myself that I should be enjoying her interest in me while it lasts. Before long, she'll be at the age where she's more embarrassed by me than anything!

I have this KILLER kink in my neck. Actually it started in my neck, but it's now monopolizing most of my entire left side. It's shooting down my back and up into my ear, and even through my shoulder and down my arm. Where did this come from?! I'm sitting here cookin' with a hot pack on my neck. It's one of those things that affects the overall enjoyment of my entire day. Here I am with a lovely sunny day (70-degree high today folks!) and can't enjoy it to the fullest because my eyes water from searing pain every time I have to twist & turn. Yikes.

Enough whining! Carpe diem! .. .as much as possible, that is.

Oh, Baby! ('s Room)

Even though it's the smallest room in the house (aside from the bathroom), and it's a space which I will probably see mostly in the middle of the night, I have still been having so. much. fun. browsing nursery design.

I found these photos in an older post at one of my favorite design blogs: House of Turquoise. Unfortunately I have no idea where they originated or who took the photos.

The colors are perfect. I wish Sofia's space was this large! Isn't it such a nice, airy feel in there? I love the yellow, but unfortunately yellow bedding would clash with the maple crib we already have - so I'm sticking with teal bumpers. I forgot to mention, we also can't paint - so I will have to get creative with decor. If you have any ideas, send 'em my way!

P.S. Don't Forget: I will post another reminder closer to the actual date, but I just wanted to keep that Mom2Mom Sale active in your brains! It's May 2nd at Waverly High School. $2 admission. 9am-1pm. I can't believe it's already creeping up on us! I was going to save up a bunch of money to take with me, but I've been spending it on bills & other things thinking "Oh, I have plenty of time." Well jeez, I only have a couple weeks left. Yikes!

Teal Room

Thanks to the inspiration from this post by DesignMom, I think that someday I might try my hand at a charm quilt.

First comes Sofia's crib bedding, however, which will be quite a challenge. I've decided to have a go at it myself. Mom bought some fabric from JoAnn she thought I'd like (she has an impeccable knack for guessing my tastes). There are a couple swatches I do love, and a couple I don't. What she showed me actually consisted of mostly bright teal and white. Which, thinking about it, would be perfect for a beachy, airy lake-home feel. The color scheme I've decided to go with is reflected a lot in the following images (found via Google Image Search)...



The fabric that's my favorite is a soft - almost flannel - solid, very saturated teal. I think I might like to use that for the bumper, and maybe do some white piping or ribbon trim around the edges. Too much work? (I thought I'd cheat and buy plain white fitted sheets, and not bother with the crib skirt).

Coincidentally, House of Turquoise has been one of my favorite sites to browse for home inspiration.

Easter Pt. 2

I won't post ALL the photos here, but you can see them at my personal Flickr site.

{Jason texted me a message "from the Easter Bunny" to read aloud to Tiegan once she had found all the eggs. It said to follow Mommy & Daddy to her next prize...}


... a puzzle. This girl is OBSESSED with puzzles. She was a lot more excited about it than she looks in this picture.


I ended up going to Target for her Easter basket goodies. Mom helped me out, so I went a little overboard, except with the candy. The closest she got to "real" Easter candy were those chocolate covered raisins you see to her right. I put 3 bags of Goldfish Grahams in her basket- cinnamon, honey and chocolate. She was thrilled, and didn't expect any more sweets than that. Me: 1. Evil Holiday Sweets Monsters: 0.


We let her believe all her presents were from the Easter Bunny, except this one. We let her know that this was a special gift from Mommy and Daddy for being such a good girl lately. There was a while where we struggled with the potty, and overall behavior/attitude. She has really been amazing the past couple weeks.



... and my favorite set of photos from yesterday. She tried on her new swimsuit (which was in her basket). Got this at Target. Size 4t... my how my baby girl is growing!

P.S. Thank you, commenters, for the basket suggestions! Although I didn't find a pail/planter I liked, I did find a cute 3-pack of herb seeds (basil, parsley & chives) which I put in her basket as well as a small watering can. I just happen to have 3 little pots on my window ledge in the kitchen, currently containing different kinds of tea. I thought I'd let Tiegan plant her own little herb garden. Wish us luck!

Easter Pt. 1

For my family not being very heavily religious, or too into holidays like Easter (to us it's more a "beginning of Spring" celebration), I certainly took a lot of photos!

These are from Saturday at my parents' house, coloring eggs...

(I love Jason's "baseball egg")

Tiegan ended up shirtless about halfway through the endeavor. I didn't get a whole ton of photos from this point on, because I was sat on a stool in the kitchen while Mom highlighted my hair. And just for fun... some shots of last Thursday - Jason and Tiegan @ the end of the dock, feeding the ducks.

(Note to photographers: I took these with my Lensbaby 3G, a full manual tilt-shift lens now known as the "Control Freak" - I highly recommend playing around with one of these!!)

I love that last shot. My favorite part (aside from the serene feeling) is that the ripples in the water mimic the shapes of the ducks' feathers.

What in the...?

Very strange things happened in the Smith household last night indeed.

When Jas and I finally made it upstairs for the night, we discovered Tiegan sleeping in our bed. Not so much sleeping as struggling with the covers and whimpering. I asked what was the matter and she started full-on crying - no explanation. She seemed so out of it, like she was still half asleep, so I picked her up and cuddled her for a while and carried her back to her room. Tucked her back in with all her stuffed animals and she fell back asleep with some coaxing and snuggling from mom & dad.

Every hour or so, T would wake up and just cry. Every time I went in to see what was the problem, her eyes were half closed and she was just lying there, crying out. I would ask what's wrong and the answer was different every time. But her answers all had something in common: they made no sense. First, she wanted down. Next, she wanted to go outside. Another time, she wanted to go swimming. It was like she was throwing one of her "I wanna" fits. In her sleep. I concluded that she was dreaming all this, and was just acting out in her dreams.

I have had a little suspicion that she'd be a sleepwalker. I was when I was a kid, but I grew out of it. I once made cookies in my sleep. Left the oven on all night. She snores a lot, and also moves around and mumbles in her sleep. Once in a while she will even sit up, say something clear as day, and fall back down into a dead sleep again.

Tell you what... I was NOT thrilled with all these night wakings after the long day I had, and my growing headache. But how could I be mad when she seemed so upset?

Yes or no? Could it be so?

Today I had a job interview.

It's definitely been quite a day. I think the interview went well overall. I felt like I listened a lot, and didn't get a chance to say many of the things I had thought long and hard about saying. It's been a long time since I've interviewed anywhere, so I hope I wasn't too rusty. If anything, I think the lack of interview experience worked in my favor. I don't particularly like memorized, self-glorifying statements and the whole process. This felt more personal, which I enjoyed & made me feel more at ease. I think I had a decent chance to express who I really was and what I'm capable of without having to talk myself up.

To be quite honest, I probably wouldn't have pursued any other job. It's not like I was looking adamantly - I've been happy to research ways to make extra cash with my creativity & crafty...ness. This one posting in the paper jumped out at me, however, and it proclaimed "Ashley, this is perfect for you. You couldn't have asked for something more tailor-made for you. Apply now. Don't put it off. This job needs you." So, I went for it and e-mailed my resume. Within a few days, I got a phone call. Hence the interview.

They have a few more people to talk to. Updates in a few days if/when I get a callback. No jinxes.

...

If I haven't been driving, I've been on my feet pretty much all day. I am SO ready to pass out right now. Here's a rundown of my crazy insane day (yes, this is crazy insane compared to most days)...
- Got up 1 hour earlier than normal
- Dropped Tiegan off at her grandma's, took Jason to work
- Stopped at parents' house, used their printer
- Went to interview
- Back to parents' house
- Took mom to have some bloodwork done @ the hospital
- Went shopping @ Elder Beerman (clothes) and Walmart (hair dye) with mom
- Had Tiegan dropped off at my parents' house, had lunch
- Went shopping @ Target for Tiegan's Easter basket stuff with mom
- Back to parents' house
- Ate some strawberries
- Took a bath (ahhhhhhh... so nice... OK so I wasn't on my feet here)
- Picked up Jason from work
- Stopped at Burger King on the way home after realizing I'd only eaten a few strawberries today
- Put Tiegan to bed
- Put together & hid Tiegan's Easter basket

aaand here I am. Now I'm going to bed, then I will probably enjoy my Easter weekend and take lots of pictures of Tiegan coloring/hunting for eggs. Will try to stay busy and keep my mind occupied so I don't go crazy wondering whether or not I'll get a callback for the job...

Sticks, Buds and Vitamins

What a gorgeous day today. Unfortunately it's still a little chilly for my taste (55 degrees), but a welcome change from the other day! Tiegan and I had a hard time getting outside today. It seemed everything was against us. I wanted to wait til it was a little later in the afternoon (therefore warmer), so naptime came first. Even after I showered, made lunch, and picked up the kitchen & living room, I still didn't quite have the energy to get us out the door. We played around upstairs for a while, picking out sweaters and scarves to wear. You'd think we were born & raised down south, the way neither of us can handle the cold. Then, we decided to sweep the porch which was covered in buds from the neighbor's tree (ugh - such a mess). Afterwards, Tiegan was picking up sticks in the yard. This is something she's loved to do ever since we lived in the city. We had a stick-pile in the back because there were several trees bordering our yard. Every week or so we'd go outside, pick up all the sticks from the yard & throw them in the pile so it was clear for Jason to mow. I'm getting off topic. We decided to gather a handful of sticks to arrange in a vase. I thought it'd be an interesting idea. I just didn't realize we don't have a vase the right size/weight. Oh well. We had fun picking up sticks anyway - something not many people can say, I'll bet.

A little later, we sat out on the dock. In the sunshine. We looked for fish, but didn't see any. The water was cold. Tiegan threw sticks and tree-buds in the water, saying she was feeding the lake its vitamins (C, to be precise). I asked if these were good for people, too, and she said no - we just take regular human vitamins. Of course - I should have known.

This Easter Bunny Needs Help

I am on the lookout for creative Easter basket ideas. I'll probably getting most items at the dollar store (boy do I love the dollar store), as I never thought of Easter as a big present-giving holiday. A few gifty items and some sweet treats in a basket, and that's about it. (Hidden, of course, for added excitement when hunting for eggs!)

I'd like to do something other than the typical wicker basket, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I always found that when my mother came up with unique ideas for gifts like this, they were much more memorable for me. I want to include the following things in T's basket:

• Hair accessories (she has to have her hair pulled back for dance, and is having much more fun letting me style her hair lately)
• Water toy/floatie for the lake
• Bubbles

I was thinking, of course, a "springy" warm-weather theme since we're finally on our way there. Anyone have any unique (inexpensive) ideas for how I can put a basket/bucket/some kind of cute reusable container together w/ this theme?

Input is appreciated! I know you're out there, crafty moms - lend me a little help, I'm suffering creatively!

Crepes... and they were easy!

The past few days have brought me out of my cooking slump. Yesterday I was searching for recipes to use up my frozen strawberries, and the first thing that came to mind were strawberry shortcakes. But I wanted something even lighter. Biscuits just sounded too heavy at the moment. SO, I found a recipe for crepes.

I'd heard rumors that it takes a few tries to be perfect at crepe-making; that it's a little tricky to get the hang of. Well, forget that. As long as you have a nonstick frying pan you're golden.

Here's the recipe, thanks to Dave Lieberman. I modified the directions a little bit, because I hear it's way easier to make in a blender (which is true). I swear you will sing its praises. (Photos to come... I didn't take any last night but I still have leftovers, which we will have for breakfast and I'll take some then. *EDIT* - pics added!).

Sweet Crepes

• 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 c. milk (preferably whole)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp melted butter, plus more for cooking crepes
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Pour the milk in a blender. Start blending and slowly pour in flour & salt, followed by sugar, eggs (one at a time), melted butter, and vanilla. Cover and let rest in the fridge for 1 hour.

Heat an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Melt a small pat of butter and swirl around so it lightly coats the surface. Add 1/3 cup of the batter and move your wrist (while holding the pan) in a circular motion to coat the bottom of the pan w/ batter. Cook about 1 minute or until the first side browns lightly, then flip and cook 45 seconds to 1 minute longer. Remove to a plate and repeat w/ remaining batter.

On the left is Tiegan's crepe, which I spread a little strawberry jam inside and rolled up like a taquito. She LOVED it. On the right is mine, which I realize looks a little creepy... but I promise you it was amazing.

Seriously, it's easy. The flipping part can be a little tricky without ripping the crepe, but I just slid a spatula underneath and grabbed the edge with my fingers to pick it up. When they're done, they slide right out of the pan - no picking up necessary. We filled ours with a strawberry reduction I made out of the frozen strawberries & a little sugar in a saucepan. Topped with whipped cream of course ;)

Who Am I?

After talking it through with Jason, I realized the point I meant to get across in my last post was this:

I think I'm somewhat afraid that when Sofia is born (and even now), I'll get so caught up in mommy-land that I'll lose my artistic, free spirited side. What I want most is to intertwine that side of me with the family-woman in me, and use my creativity for our financial benefit so it doesn't go to waste.

A typical Gemini, what I want and dream of changes constantly. This can be exciting yet frustrating at the same time, because I have no control over it. I guess I just want some peace - a consistent, happy union of all sides of me, without going to extremes. I don't want to be Typical Boring Suburbia Mom one day, and Totally Wacked Out Artsy Mom the next just because I'm trying to make up for lost ground.

Am I making absolutely no sense?

Daydream

I am so happy with the fact that I have become a family woman. I have found love in my heart that I never knew could exist in such a capacity. This feels right - being married to my best friend, and raising 2 daughters together with our combined values & creativity. But all the while, I feel like there's a side of me that's been in a state of inertia. Maybe I've forgotten about this part of myself... or perhaps I've been stifling it on purpose?

For months I've been trying to convince myself it's just the money blues. I've dreamed for so long of being completely self-sufficient. Asking the hubby if we have enough in our week's budget for me to be able to run out and grab a pair of measley rubber gloves is indeed frustrating. I'd love to be at least doing my part around here. Jason busts his rump every day just to make ends meet and I couldn't admire him more for it. I'm thankful we are at least surviving.

As happy as I am to be doing it, I don't feel it's my job to do nothing but stay at home, raise the kids and keep the house neat. Of course I hope to be able to find at least a part-time job after Sofia is born. Even if Jason doesn't expect that of me, I expect it of myself.

Honestly, though, lately I'm having visions that I've been trying to push out of my head. "It's impossible right now," I keep telling myself. I see myself as a magazine photographer. In some daydreams I work for Real Simple. In others, I work for Cottage Living. I'm able to buy myself top-of-the-line equipment and I know what I'm doing (not that I don't right now... but I'd love to take some classes). I see Jason, Tiegan, Sofia and myself in a large home where each of us has a getaway space. J has his man-cave, I have an office, and the girls have a playroom as well as their separate bedrooms. Of course it's in a nice area near water. Maybe even California. Jason is able to write, sing, or do whatever his heart desires.

I stifle these dreams because I know we need to just wait. I'm still positive we will live this kind of life someday, but we need to get over a couple hurdles first. Until then... I'm extremely anxious to be able to start working toward this goal again.

Top of the 3rd

What I woke up to this morning was a sad sight. And it's hell on my joints, too!

Yeah... it's April 6.

I think our dock is crying. Oh - funny story about our dock. Yesterday we were watching the ducks swim by. They often "duck" (no pun intended) their heads and swim right under the dock. One duck swam right into the pole. HA HA. Stupid birds.

It would be nice to enjoy some fresh spring air whilst watching the Detroit Tigers' first game of the season, which is what I'm doing as I type... but the comfort of my newly organized & rearranged living room is alright too.

Bad shot, I know. It's just a quick snap - so don't get your photographic panties in a twist. I love my new retro orange club chair. Mom picked it up at the Lumen Christi rummage sale, along with another armchair and a couch for like $50. More photos to come when the couch gets a slipcover - I still have a lonnnggg way to go w/ the living room.

Orange B-Gone

I'm not gonna hide it. We have rusty water. Bad. You might remember from a previous post that my shower was horribly orange from months (maybe years) of build-up. I'm not sure the landlords even tried to clean it up before we moved in.

I finally tackled the bathroom today and am happy to say that I found a rust remover that works. The toilet and sink are crystal clean & white again! The shower still needs a lot of scrubbing. It might even take 2 whole bottles.

If you have rust stains, I highly recommend you go out and get yourself some Whink Rust Stain Remover (maybe I should get a discount for this free ad? *wink wink*). Just remember to wear rubber gloves as the directions say. I don't have any, so I just tried to be careful & not get it on my skin. A little bit splashed onto the back of my hand and that stuff BURNS. I mean really, REALLY burns. It will have you hopping on your toes toward the nearest source of water to rinse off (I'm now laughing & imagining how silly I looked). So, definitely follow the directions & use rubber gloves.

Just to show you how instantaneous the reaction is, this is my shower after I squirted the stain remover on the shower walls (cell phone pic). I hadn't even started rinsing or scrubbing yet.



As I type this, my house is getting pelted with ice falling from the neighbor's tree. In April. And it's really annoying. Clink... CLUNK... tink tink tink.... CRASH.

List Day

The nesting bug has hit me hard, and I'm starting to get a little antsy. What if Sofia comes early, and we are totally unprepared? We have 90 days till D-Day and even if just for peace of mind, I think it's time to start getting house ready for a new baby!

Things that need to be done in order to be sufficiently ready for Sofia's arrival:

• Refinish changing table shelves with fabric - 1/2 way there!
  
• Take "storage" stuff (boxes, spare twin bed parts) out of her room to the basement.
• Pick out fabric or curtain & make/hang in closet doorway (also 1/2 way there... I got the tension rod... lol)
• Get crib parts from Jason's parents' house.
• Acquire (or sew) crib bedding.
• Finishing touches in her room - lamp/nightlight, decor, etc.
• I'd like to get a double stroller or at least a baby sling to carry her around in for a while.
• One big baby-shopping day: diaper ointment, diapers, bottles, newborn clothes (most of Tiegan's 0-3m outfits had formula stains on them from severe acid reflux and I got rid of them).
• Even though we have a pack-n-play, I'd like a rocking cradle/bassinet that I can put next to our bed for a while until the night-wakings subside. Just a luxury though.
• We would also like to find a swing/bouncer/papasan - easily acquired at the Mom2Mom Sale I'm going to on May 2 (don't forget ladies!) or off Craigslist.
  
• Baby-proof the rest of the house.
  

Uhh.... am I forgetting anything?

A Sad Sight.

Today, mom and I took a little walk down to the Lilac Tree and I could hardly contain myself. Love - love - that place. There are several sofas there I would just die to have. Thinking of my amazing cracking-leather (er.. vinyl) sofa, and knowing that only in my dreams could I afford a sofa from the Lilac Tree right now, we decided to drive over to St. Vincent's to see if they had any couches lying around that might be suitable to clean up & slipcover.

It was a sad sight. The parking lot was PACKED. The people in the parking lot were brutal just trying to get in. Someone almost rear-ended my mom's car. It felt like a retail store on Black Friday. I didn't find anything there that I liked, so we headed over to Goodwill on the off chance they might actually have a couch. They didn't, but it was the same situation over there. Usually when I go into one of these places, I can practically hear crickets. Not these days.

It was definitely a reminder of the hard time everyone is going through right now. I hope at least these establishments are benefiting from the increase in customers as of late.

I mean, REALLY?

Just call me the Math Queen! OK, not really, but if you know me AT ALL you know I am horrible with numbers. I've never been officially diagnosed, but I think I'm very dyslexic when it comes to numbers. Not so much with words, but sometimes. It could also be the A.D.D. (which I have been officially diagnosed with) that causes me to drift off and completely overlook important things.

Anyway.
I've concluded that if I get every penny that I'd like out of my HP Slimline (see below), as well as my iBook, I will still be approx. $1,000 short of my goal for the CHEAPEST 17" MacBook Pro I can get. I refuse to settle for a 13" or 15" as it would be hell on my eyes even though they are significantly cheaper. And the only MacBook that comes in 17" is the Pro model. I've also made the decision to stick it out and save up for what I really want, and not settle for another PC. I have to time this just right, though. As soon as I have the difference saved up, I really need to unload both my current computers at the same exact time so I can replace my "work horse" right away. So if you know anyone needing a new PC, I have the total package! There is really nothing wrong with it- it just can't handle the high volume of work I need it for, and the large photo files that I need to process. This computer was not made for what I'm trying to use it for, in other words. It's a PC - personal computer. Not professional. I'm also selling my 17" monitor, speakers, and of course keyboard+mouse with it for $500. It will be $600 if the buyer prefers that I leave Photoshop CS2, Illustrator CS2, InDesign CS2 and Dreamweaver CS3 installed.

OH, and check this out. My DRAMA QUEEN.

She was upset because I took away her puzzle. I should have captured her face 5 minutes prior to this. Beat red, bottom lip out, tears and snot streaming. The puzzle is what she was busy doing this afternoon when she was too lazy to get up and go to the potty, subsequently peeing her pants on purpose for the 3rd time today. UGH!! I can't remind her every 15 minutes. She needs the motivation to go on her own. Or can I remind her? Should I? Will it just annoy her and make her want to go even less? I've tried just keeping it active in her mind that her toys will still be there if she has to leave them for a few minutes to go to the bathroom. I even put a potty chair in a very convenient place in the living room - always in sight. I've really got no clue what else to do. She already has 2 puzzles, coloring books & markers up on the "naughty" shelf that she won't get back until she spends a whole day NOT peeing her pants.

We warned her that she couldn't go to dance class anymore if she kept doing it. That seemed to motivate her enough to use the potty for one day. Now we're back where we were.

I'm stuck. And I don't care HOW adorable they are - I'm getting mighty sick of hand-washing batches & batches of tiny little panties in the sink.

Creep Alert

I am glad to announce that yesterday's good news was not just an April Fool's joke. After J told me the news, I realized what day it was and hoped his co-workers weren't just playing a prank on him. I didn't think they would, but then I realized that they are huge pranksters. They are always playing little office jokes on each other. How low would you have to stoop to play a prank like that? Whew.

CREEP ALERT: I heard a rumor [Jason said a friend told him] that there is a middle-aged man in an old red & white truck going around trying to kidnap kids. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but yesterday when Tiegan and I were taking a walk around the lake, I saw a middle-aged man in an older red & white truck. I only remember this because I was a little miffed - usually everyone on this lake is very friendly and we acknowledge at each other in passing. (I learned upon moving here that it's a common lake resident thing). I smiled and nodded at him and he just looked at me with his "grumpy old man" face and kept on going. He drove by two or three times and I wondered if he was lost or looking at houses for sale. When Jason told me he heard this was going on, my heart dropped to my stomach. I told him how I had seen a guy fitting that description while I was out - alone - no phone - with our 3 year old daughter.

So there is your unofficial "creep on the loose" alert. I haven't actually read any stories in the paper about abductions or missing children. But when you hear something like this, rumor or not, it never hurts to be extra careful. I'm actually hoping it's cloudy today as per weather.com's prediction so we have an excuse to stay inside and I don't have to explain to Tiegan why I don't want to go for a long walk today.

Good News

Jason has just notified me via text to my e-mail inbox that he has gotten A PROMOTION!!!

I can't tell you how much he deserves this.
He has worked relentlessly to get where he is now, and I still don't think he gets all that he deserves. Obviously he's lucky to have any job in this awful economy, blah blah blah. However, he has finally gotten a hint of recognition and I couldn't be more proud of him. How lucky we are to have had this happen to us. Jason works 10-12 hour days and hardly complains about it. He has been my supporter and lovingly so. Emotionally as well as financially.

When I decided to quit my job last year and turn photography from my hobby to my profession, he not only supported me but encouraged me to do it. He made sure I had everything I ever wanted, and even though we both knew we couldn't really afford it, he had enough faith in my passion and talent that he was willing to sacrifice. He wanted me to be happy. And now he's dug himself into Aria Photo almost as much as I have, which probably makes him feel like he has a 2nd job sometimes. I don't know what I would do without him.

So. Congratulations, Husband. :)

Tech Woes

Ah, the Money Monster is biting me in the butt. I am starting to contemplate what I can sell around here that will profit enough for me to be able to acquire one of these bad boys:

Ahh, wouldn't it be glorious? Right now, my computer situation is this:

Desktop: HP Slimline PC (Vista) - 2g memory, and a lovely 400g hard drive.
Laptop: Apple iBook G4 - I haven't used it for "work" (photo retouching/organizing/graphic design) in so long that I wouldn't even be able to tell you the stats - only that "working" on it is no longer an option. It just doesn't... "work".

Telling ya right now, selling these 2 computers (17" LCD monitor included with the PC) wouldn't get me enough to buy a MacBook. Unfortunately, I may have to resort to yet another inexpensive Windows PC to get me by. Being a tried-and-true Mac lover, totally giving up my iBook (even though it's only useful for web browsing and word processing) for a PC would be a very, very sad day for me.

I'm one of those people that gets all warm, fuzzy and goosebumpy about new technology. Apple's displays are top notch right now. The color depth is amazing - I could retouch photos all day long on a new MacBook or iMac. Not that you want to hear me go on and on...

My setup gets me by, and I guess that's all I can ask for until a boatload of money comes in. The only frustration I have with my HP PC (the work horse) is that it gets overloaded and shuts down. I can't convert more than 5 RAW photos at a time without it just up & quitting. Talk about DRIVING ME CRAZY when I have 500+ photos to batch convert. I can't even play my favorte game: FlipWords! I don't know if it's a lack of memory or if it's overheating. Either way, upgrading the memory won't do any good (apparently the 32bit system can't handle it?) and I've done everything I can if overheating is the problem - cleaned the fan, kept it well ventilated, all that junk. Bottom line is: when photography season gets busy and I have lots of computer work to do, I am going to be one frustrated b*tch.

I thought about saving up for a bottom-line new iMac, but I think I'd rather be portable. A 17" MacBook Pro is really what I'd prefer, and it's really not that much more expensive. I don't do a whole lot of traveling, but I can't imagine living without a laptop if I ever did venture away from here. Besides - I could take it on-location and show clients proofs on it.

Aaaand what I've realized in writing all this, is that it's a whole lot of ME ME ME and you probably don't care WHAT the heck computer I'm using, just quit complaining already. HA.

So, any ideas or suggestions? Open to the public now.